INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Florida Tech 68, Lake Superior State 81
Records: Florida Tech (9-3) | Lake Superior State (7-3)
Location: Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.

FIRST HALF: 

• Panthers got out to a fast 5-0 lead after a three by Sean Houpt and a contested layup by Niall Harris, both off assists from Runako Ziegler.
• Tech's advantage eventually ballooned to 10-2 with 15 minutes to go after Mekhii Noble stole the ball and finished with a layup on the other end off an assist from Mate Papai. 
• Harris knocked down a three from the wing off an assist from Ziegler to push Tech's advantage to 19-10 with 11:41 remaining in the half. 
• Lakers answered with a 12-2 run to grab their first lead of the half, 22-21, on a second-chance jumper by Kemon Bassett. 
• LSSU's lead reached 38-29 with 51 seconds left on the clock. 
• A pair of free throws by Ziegler closed the gap to seven, 38-31, just before halftime. 

SECOND HALF: 

• Lakers opened the second half 4-of-5 beyond the arc and ensued on a 14-5 run to stretch their lead to 52-36 with 15:33 to go. 
• Panthers implemented a full-court press that forced the Lakers into multiple turnovers allowing Tech to claw their way back with a 13-0 run, capped by a step-back three by Ziegler, to cut the deficit to 52-49 with 12:07 remaining. 
• LSSU eventually solved the Panthers' press defense and went on a 23-11 run to increase its advantage to 75-60 with 2:35 left. 
• Lakers would lead by double-figures the rest of the way en route to a 13-point victory in the final game of the Health First Winter Classic. 

NOTABLE PANTHERS:

• Runako Ziegler led Tech with 19 points, 7 assists, 1 rebound and 1 steal on 6-16 shooting and 6-8 at the line.
• Niall Harris just missed a double-double with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists on 6-11 shooting, including 3-6 beyond the arc.
• Sean Houpt finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals on 5-16 shooting, including three makes beyond the arc.
• Mekhii Noble added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals on 5-9 shooting and 3-4 on free throws. 
   

COACHES CORNER: 



INSIDE THE BOXSCORE:

• Florida Tech finished the game shooting 40% (24-60) from the field, 30.4% (7-23) beyond the arc and 65% (13-20) at the charity stripe.
• Lakers hit on 60.8% (31-51) of their shots in the contest, including 52.2% (12-23) from three, and 58.3% (7-12) at the free throw line. 
• LSSU won the rebounding battle 35-28, including a 26-15 edge on the defensive glass. Tech had a 13-9 advantage on the offensive glass, which led to 13 second-chance points for the Panthers. 
• Panthers recorded 13 steals in the game and forced the Lakers into 20 turnovers, compared to just 11 for Tech. The Panthers finished with an 18-14 advantage in points off turnovers. 
• Both teams scored 30 points in the paint. 
• Lakers ended with an advantage in bench points (18-3) and fast break points (14-10).

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• This was the second ever meeting between Florida Tech and Lake Superior State. Lakers won the first meeting 76-63 on Nov. 24, 1995. 
• Panthers move to 7-1 on their home court this season. 
• Florida Tech is now 6-2 against non-conference opponents. 

UP NEXT: Florida Tech returns to SSC action after the Christmas break hosting Embry-Riddle on Dec. 30 at the Clemente Center. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. 
 
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