By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information

Kirtland, OH---Lakeland Community College beat Cincinnati State 80-79 on Saturday in the opening weekend of Ohio Community College Athletic Conference play.

Cincinnati State's O'Brien Hobbs narrowed the Lakeland lead to 1 after a converted three-pointer with 2.3 seconds left. After two missed Lakeland free throws at the other end with 2.2 seconds remaining, the Surge were unable to gain possession to get a shot off as time expired.

Lakeland's Charles Oliver led all scorers with 22 points followed by Deran Banton's 21.

Cincinnati State, which entered the game without leading scorer Tom Jackson, Jamal Ivery and Mycle Shadie due to injury, were led by 18 points from Devonte Smith. Hobbs finished with 15 points and 8 assists. Winston Grays and Chrisean Marsden each scored 12 points.

Cincinnati State, which drops to 13-4, will return home on Wednesday to face Edison Community College at 7:30 pm.

For more information on Cincinnati State athletics, please visit - http://www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics

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