Lakers Snap Skid Behind Strong Team Effort

CHICAGO – Roosevelt used a complete team effort to snap its five-game losing streak Wednesday night at the Goodman Center. The Lakers had five players finish in double figures as they held off Holy Cross 90-87 in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference showdown.

For the first time in more than a week, the Lakers (2-6, 2-4 CCAC) were fully healthy and that depth proved useful against the Saints. Roosevelt looked much fresher in the dreaded fourth quarter to actually win the period 30-25, overcoming a two-point deficit entering the final 10 minutes. The Lakers made 53.3 percent of their shots in the fourth, but more importantly, sank 13 of 16 free throws to secure their second win of the season.

Amelia McNutt scored 12 of her team-best 20 points in the second half, including a pair of key baskets late in the fourth quarter. With the shot clock winding down with about two minutes left, McNutt drove the lane and floated a tough runner to go to extend the Lakers lead to four. After Holy Cross made two free throws, McNutt again drove the lane, this time pulling up to float her shot perfectly over the defense.

Roosevelt entered the fourth quarter down a basket, but it didn't take long for it to reclaim the lead. Kencia Levasseur knocked down two free throws and Jayla Turchin deposited a layup to give the Lakers the advantage for good. The Saints would close the gap to one point twice in the fourth quarter, but every time a different Lakers player would make a key play. Several of those were made by Gabrielle Beggs, who finished with 15 points and six assists after coming alive to dish out four assists in the third quarter and score nine points in the fourth quarter.

Levasseur made the most of her first career start to finish with her first career double-double, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Her presence on the interior made a big difference against a tall Holy Cross frontcourt, and she helped neutralize the Saints' advantage. The return of Turchin to the lineup also made a big difference as the Lewis transfer scored 10 points and grabbed seven boards off the bench.

The first half belonged to Meghan Urbanski, who seemingly pulled the Lakers to a one-point halftime lead with her shooting. The graduate transfer was 3 of 4 from behind the arc and scored 17 points in the first half. She also added five of her six rebounds in the first half, helping pull Roosevelt out from its early deficit.

Holy Cross came out firing on all cylinders and scored 14 of the first 16 points. Levasseur's layup with exactly five minutes left in the first quarter was the turning point and kickstarted a massive 16-0 run over the next 3:32. During that stretch, McNutt made two 3-pointers, Urbanski nailed one of her triples and Erionna Moore knocked down a 3 of her own. After taking the lead with three minutes left in the first quarter, the Lakers only trailed for 2:19 the remainder of the game.

The Lakers will return to action Saturday in University Park when they face off with Governors State at 1 p.m. for another CCAC matchup.