After going 16-15 in their 2023-2024 campaign, the Grand Valley State University men’s basketball team secured their first victory at home, 105-68, in their season opener against the Walsh University Cavaliers (0-1).
The Lakers previously had 3-3 all-time record against Walsh University, with the Cavaliers winning the previous matchup 75-86 last season.
“We had to set the tone and come out hot,” said GVSU head coach Cornell Mann. “We have a great opportunity to do something special, and it (started) here with the first game.”
Redshirt junior forward Ethan Alderink won the tip off for the Lakers, setting up sophomore guard Kaden Brown to score the game’s first points with a 3-pointer.
The Cavaliers responded with a 3-pointer of their own, starting a string of back and forth scoring.
15 minutes into the game and following a couple of fouls by GVSU, Walsh tied things up at 19-19. GVSU finally found their stride after a breakaway layup from redshirt sophomore Trevor Smith Jr.
Junior forward Jalen Charity made both free throws after a foul by Walsh, and senior guard Trevon Gunter followed this with a 3-pointer . Senior forward William Dunn then hit yet another 3-pointer to extend the Lakers’ lead to 11.
Dunn, who transferred to GVSU last season from the Division I Youngstown State University, was second in scoring last year for the Lakers. He continued to dominate on both sides of the ball, showing the chemistry he has been able to build with the team.
“These guys have become my brothers,” said Dunn. “With how much time we spend together throughout the year, we learn how to face adversaries. Being around each other makes us all better.”
Mann added that returning players help to continue building the team’s culture.
“Mixing our core guys with newcomers to the program is big in showing new guys how to play like a Laker,” said Mann.
The strong defense exhibited by GVSU allowed the Lakers’ offense to continue to grow their lead against Walsh. A steal by Gunter and a pass to Dunn allowed the Lakers to hit another 3-pointer, growing GVSU’s lead to 15. While Walsh slowly maintained on offense, the Lakers’ offense exploded with back-to-back 3-pointers from redshirt sophomore guard Charles Turner.
A couple of free throws by junior guard Mason Docks closed out the first half, with the Lakers leading 50-27.
Opening the second half, a steal by Charity and a foul on Walsh allowed GVSU to sink two free throws. The Cavaliers responded, outscoring the Lakers in the first few minutes of the half.
Freshman guard Marcus Gray II found his college debut footing after sinking back-to-back 3-pointers, extending his team’s lead to 23.
“It was all excitement,” said Gray. “I felt like I brought a big spark off of the bench, and after scoring, I knew I had to keep being aggressive on both sides of the ball.”
As a freshman, Gray is a long way from home, coming from Memphis, Tennessee.
“I chose Grand Valley mainly because of coach Mann,” said Gray. “He takes care of us whenever we need it, and he had a program I felt like I could grow in.”
Leading 64-39, the Lakers did not look back down after a big breakaway dunk by Charity, which was immediately followed by a breakaway layup from Brown.
With a comfortable lead, GVSU began substituting more players. Freshman forward Cam Regnerus drove on the paint, scoring the team’s 19th point. Brown later followed, sinking his fourth 3-pointer of the game. This gave GVSU triple-digit points, leading 100-63.
One final 3-pointer from redshirt freshman guard Javion Otten closed the game, giving GVSU the win and their largest margin of 40 points.
GVSU shot 65% and finished leading in every possible offensive and defensive category. Throughout the entire 40 minutes of play, Walsh held the lead for only 48 seconds.
“I thought the guys did a great job at sharing the ball and being unselfish on both sides,” Mann said.
The Lakers will next host Ashland University at home on Sunday, Nov. 10.
