Commander Sparks Lakers To Big CCAC Win Over IUSB

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A new face took over the second half to lead Roosevelt to a vital 77-70 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference win over Indiana University South Bend on Wednesday night in South Bend, Ind.

In the battle of two of the CCAC's leaders, the Lakers (11-6, 8-1 CCAC) were able to stay atop the conference thanks to the contributions of recent addition Maurice Commander in the final 20 minutes. The Chicago native was cleared to play earlier Wednesday and he struggled early, making just one of his five shots in the first half, including missing all four of his 3-point attempts. However, Commander scored 19 of his team-high 21 points in the second half, sinking 5 of 6 from the field, including a perfect 3 for 3 from deep, and added a 6 of 8 performance from the foul line to secure the victory.

Commander scored 10 of Roosevelt's final 13 points in the game to aid the Lakers in closing out the Titans on the road. The Lakers trailed 28-22 with 3:42 left in the first half before closing the stanza on a 14-4 run to take a halftime lead. The advantage was stretched to as many as 19 midway through the second half before the Titans chipped into the lead and brought it to within six with four minutes left. It was then Commander took over with a 3-pointer, jump shot and five free throws down the stretch to push the lead back to as many as 14 in the final two minutes.

Julio Montes II carried the torch for Roosevelt in the first half, depositing 12 of his 19 points in the opening 20 minutes. The freshman nailed four of his five 3-point attempts in the first half to account for all his points, two of which started the critical run at the end of the first half. Yuri Swinford also nailed a 3 during that run then Matt Myers added a traditional three-point play before Chima Nwosu finished the half with a layup.

Myers scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds, matching the stat line from Shane Stevensen. Swinford finished with eight points and four rebounds and Ayo Ajiboye led the team with eight rebounds to help the Lakers secure a 41-35 edge on the glass.

The Lakers have a week off before returning to action with a chance to avenge their only conference loss against Indiana University Northwest on Jan. 11 in Gary, Ind. at 7:30 p.m.