The No. 15 Grand Valley State Lakers (20-6) endured a rough two-game stretch last week, falling decisively to Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opponents Saginaw Valley State University (13-13) and Lake Superior State University (16-11).
Saginaw Valley State set the tone early Thursday night, jumping out to a quick lead and never letting the GVSU find a rhythm in a 92–65 win. The Cardinals shot confidently at 50% from the perimeter and capitalized on turnovers all game. The Lakers struggled to slow the pace and had difficulty contesting shots.
The Lakers briefly found momentum behind senior forward Jalen Charity, who knocked down a 3-pointer and finished through contact, cutting into the deficit midway through the half. Senior forward Ethan Alderink chipped in with a dunk and a pair of free throws, but those moments were short-lived as Saginaw Valley responded with back-to-back 3-pointers that stretched their lead into double digits.
By halftime, Saginaw Valley had built a 46–27 advantage. The Cardinals dominated second-chance opportunities, forcing the Lakers to play from behind for the entire second half.
Despite the lopsided score, the Lakers continued to compete. Senior guard Trevor Smith Jr. attacked the rim for multiple finishes, and sophomore ball-handler Mason Docks hit a pair of threes to briefly slow the run.
Saginaw Valley eclipsed the 90-point mark with under three minutes to play, sealing a dominant victory.
Saturday’s contest against Lake Superior State presented a different challenge, but ended with similar frustrations for GVSU. The Lakers fell behind quickly as Lake Superior controlled the pace and attacked inside, taking advantage of early miscues and missed opportunities.
Lake Superior scored the game’s first six points, using transition layups and strong interior play to establish control. The Lakers struggled to convert early looks, missing multiple shots in the paint before finally getting on the board with a Docks layup nearly two minutes in.
Smith Jr. provided a spark off the bench, scoring at the rim and converting free throws to keep the Lakers within striking distance. Junior guard Antaune Allen added a strong finish inside, but turnovers seemed to be the Laker’s Achilles’ heel.
The Lakers showed signs of life midway through the half. Docks knocked down a 3-pointer, Charity followed with a fast-break layup, and GVSU briefly cut the deficit to five. However, missed defensive rotations and second-chance points allowed Lake Superior State to stay in control.
By the under-eight timeout, GVSU trailed 24–22, despite holding Lake Superior without a field goal for several possessions. Fouls and turnovers remained a concern, preventing the Lakers from fully capitalizing on defensive stops.
Down the stretch, GVSU made one final push. Allen knocked down a 3-pointer with just over two minutes left to cut the deficit to 92–84. Charity added a fast-break layup after a steal, bringing the score within seven with under a minute remaining. However, Lake Superior State sealed the game at the free-throw line. Lake Superior’s two highest scorers united to hit clutch free throws in the final minute, pushing the lead back to double digits and closing out the 105–95 victory.
With conference play tightening, GVSU looks to turn it around this week as they finish the road trip Tuesday at Davenport University (13-13), before closing out the regular season Thursday at home against GLIAC rival Ferris State University (10-14).
