The Grand Valley State University men’s basketball season came to a close on Wednesday, March 5, as the Lakers lost to Northern Michigan University in the GLIAC Tournament, 85-72.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, GVSU was moving with an upward trajectory. The Lakers had ended their regular season on a three-game win streak, dismantling Roosevelt University in their final regular season game.
In an interview posted on YouTube by GVSU Athletics, men’s basketball head coach Cornell Mann noted that energy was high during the practices that led up to the tournament. Mann attributed the team’s positive spirits to the time of the year, as March is hugely relevant to basketball generally.
“It’s a good time of year, but a fun time (as well),” said Mann.
GVSU went into the GLIAC Tournament with a 12-8 conference record. With this record, they landed in the fifth seed and were matched up with the Northern Michigan Wildcats, the fourth seed. The Lakers played NMU twice in the regular season and lost both times. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the most recent matchup against the Wildcats was not much different.
The Lakers started the quarterfinal round a bit slow. The production on the offensive side of the ball was lackluster for GVSU through the opening 10 minutes. The Lakers only scored three made field goals, and found themselves down by 11 points with just 12 minutes left in the half.
The Wildcats continued to pressure the Lakers, as the scoring deficit reached 20 points toward the end of the first half. However, all was not lost for the Lakers. GVSU was able to string together a few solid possessions before the close of the half. After redshirt sophomore Charles Turner drilled a 3-pointer with under a minute to go, GVSU went into the break down by 17.
NMU’s scoring stamina carried over into the second half, as the Lakers never seemed to find their rhythm until it was too late. GVSU trailed by double digits the entire second half; the closest they were able to cut the Wildcats’ lead down to was 13 points. In the end, the Lakers fell to NMU with a final score of 85-72. GVSU concluded its season with a 16-13 overall record, and was also 12-8 in conference play. NMU went on to win the GLIAC Tournament.
Even though the Lakers’ record for the season was not the best, there were still major accomplishments among the team’s members. GVSU had five players make All-GLIAC teams.
GVSU sophomore Kaden Brown led the way with an All-GLIAC first team selection. Brown also won Sixth Man of the Year, marking the first time a Laker has ever won this award. While Brown was GVSU’s leading scorer for the season, he’s emphasized the importance of collaboration among the team. Throughout the season, Brown has vocally praised his teammates for the impact they have on his game. He noted that his teammates’ support brings his confidence to “another level.”
Senior William Dunn and junior Jalen Charity were both selected for All-GLIAC second team. The team also saw redshirt junior Trevor Smith Jr. and redshirt sophomore Shamus Thompson make the All-GLIAC defensive team.
