March 2, 2003

Box Score

Marquette, Mich. - The 2002-03 Laker basketball campaign came to an end Sunday (Mar. 2) in GLIAC Tournament quarterfinal action as GVSU dropped a 69-56 decision at Northern Michigan. Northern Michigan (15-13, 10-8) will now face Michigan Tech in semifinal play, while Grand Valley State concludes the season with a 14-14 record.

Northern Michigan built a 40-24 lead after 20 minutes of action by shooting 51.6 percent from the field (14-27), while GVSU converted just 26.5 percent from the floor (9-34). However, Grand Valley State battled back in the second half and pulled to within four (56-52) on a pair of Duke Cleveland free throws with 4:01 left in the game. Northern Michigan converted three free throws on its next possession as GVSU was called for a foul and then a technical foul with 3:33 left in the game. NMU hit eight of its final 10 free throw down the stretch to seal the victory.

Two Laker seniors played the final game of their careers. Jason Bauer and Duke Cleveland both turned in solid efforts in defeat. Bauer turn in a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Cleveland chipped in eight points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Courtney James, who missed the final 13 minutes with a knee injury, added nine points for the Lakers. GVSU shot just 31.1 percent from the floor (19-61) and 26.1 percent from the three-point line (6-23).