Excitement in Bud Cooper
By Christopher Martlew


	Saturday played host to the most exciting game of Laker basketball so far this year. Not since the game winning shot by Jackie Armstrong last year to defeat Grand Valley, have I (or many of the other people in the gym) ever been so caught up in a game. 
	The Lakers(6-2) came into the match up looking to be a much better team than Northwood. Northwood, however, came out playing the lady Lakers extremely tough. Missed free throws were taking a toll on the Lakers throughout much of the first half. Statistically the Lakers were outdone in all aspects of the game, yet managed to hang on to a 30 to 24 lead at the half. 
	Beginning the second half the lady Lakers came out charging for the basket. They jumped out on an early 4-0 run, but the momentum was halted by a questionable foul on Mandi Johnson. The ladys of Northwood began to fight its way back with a long range three point bucket, and taking advantage of the few mistakes the Lakers were making. With 12:41 left in the game, Northwood took the lead, 42 to 41. During a time out, Coach Pewinski puts her ladies in an effective man-to-man defense which allows them to regain the lead. A shot clock violation late in the game kept the Lakers from running away with the game. With three minutes left, Northwood ties the game at 52. At this time, the crowd is on its feet cheering as I never having heard before in Bud Cooper Gym. It came down to a strong block by LSSUs Jackie Armstong, and a huge basket that draws a foul by Mandi Johnson to put the 59 to 57 win in the bag for the Lakers. 
	I asked the overwhelmed Coach Pewinski what she thought about the game. I mostly expected this type of game from Northwood, she said, their record does not show what kind of team they really are. When the game got close at the end I just told my ladies that we were ok. We have experience in close games such as this one and I have confidence in our ability to pull through. Leading the Lakers to the exciting victory were Monica Rehmann with 14 points, and Mandi Johnson with 26 points and 10 rebounds. However much deserved credit goes out to the whole team for their aggressive play and hard work which allowed them to walk away with the win. The lady Lakers are on the road next to take on a tough opponent in Central State.
