No. 19 Niagara County Clips No. 14 Lakeland Men in Overtime

By Patrick Gordon/Lakeland CC Sports Information

Sanborn, N.Y.---Isaiah Johnson scored 32 points to lead five players in double figures as Niagara County outlasted visiting Lakeland, 94-89, in a matchup of nationally-ranked teams. 

Johnson finished eight of 17 from the floor of 14 of 15 from the free throw line while adding seven rebounds, four steals, and four assists in the victory. 

The Thunderwolves (6-1) won their sixth straight game since a season-opening loss to Genesee.

Short-handed Lakeland (4-3) was led by Deran Banton's 24 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.  The sophomore guard finished 10 of 19 from the floor and pulled down a team-high six offensive rebounds in the setback. 

All three of the Lakers' losses this year have come to nationally-ranked opponents.  LCC opened the year with a 78-70 loss to then-No. 13 Danville Area before falling 94-91 to then-No. 8 Monroe in the TJ Memorial Classic championship game on November 17.  

Sophomore Martell Medley chipped in 21 points and seven rebounds in his first start of the season while classmate Charles Oliver continued his consistent scoring streak with 18 points including a trio of three-pointers.

Lakeland will look to rebound on Saturday (Dec. 1) when it plays host to Butler County (0-3) at 3:00 p.m. inside the Athletic & Fitness Center.