Men’s basketball takes first loss of the season

The Lamar Community College men's basketball team competed this past week at Clarendon College, taking its first loss of the season.

The Lopes had a rough start to the contest, allowing the Clarendon team a nearly 20 point lead at the half.  Although sophomore Richard Caldwell scored 17 points and sophomore Jikhalil Smith was 4 for 6 from the free-throw line, the Lopes weren't competing at the their previous level.

In the second half, the Lopes adjusted their lineup, specifically to address issues on defense and put up offensive numbers. Sophomore Sam Boone got a few shots up and Smith hit the boards hard.

LCC came back with a couple minutes left in the game and outscored Clarendon by eight in the second half, but unfortunately could not take home the win.  They dropped to Clarendon with a final score of 84-73.

Boone led the Lopes offense with eighteen points, followed closely by Richard Caldwell with 17.  Smith and Mitchell Ward each had twelve points. 

The Lopes will travel next to Goodland, Kansas, for the Northwest Tech Classic tournament on November 10-11.