Frontcourt Dominance Leads Lakers To Easy Win

JOLIET, Ill. – Roosevelt shot nearly 60 percent from the floor and six players reached double figures in a 99-69 win over United International College on Saturday night in Joliet.

The Lakers (6-1) broke open the game with a 9-0 run early in the first half to build an 11-point lead and it never dipped below eight points the rest of the way. Sangolay Njie and David Swedura both scored all 10 of their points in the first half to help Roosevelt extend the lead to as much as 18 before settling for a 14-point advantage at the break.

Many of Roosevelt's starters came alive in the second half with Julio Montes II scored 11 of his game-high 17 points over the final 20 minutes. Malcolm Townsel also added 10 of his 12 points in the second half as part of the dominant effort from the Lakers. Forte Prater scored 16 points in the victory with 10 coming in the first half, but he also made a large contribution on the glass with eight rebounds.

Cody Mitchell was a force on the interior with 13 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes of action. More than half his rebounds came on the offensive glass, helping the Lakers score 17 second-chance points in the contest. Roosevelt also held a distinct advantage in the paint with a 48-35 edge in rebounds and a massive 64-34 lead in points in the paint. The Lakers also had nine blocks with two each for Mitchell, Njie, Swedura and Townsel.

The advantages on the interior were a big reason why the Lakers were able to hold United International to just 37 percent shooting in the game. Yet the perimeter defense was also outstanding after limiting United International to just 2 of 19 from behind the arc in the game.

The Lakers will return to action Sunday at 2:30 p.m. against No. 14 St. Thomas in Joliet.