March 7, 2009

Box Score

Findlay, Ohio - Grand Valley State made a valient effort Saturday night at #1-ranked Findlay in the GLIAC Title game, but the Oilers outscored the Lakers 43-29 in the second half and went on to claim a 67-56 victory. Findlay (30-0) will host the NCAA Midwest Regional next weekend, while Grand Valley State (21-9) will await word from the NCAA Sunday on its fate concerning its appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Grand Valley State played a stellar first-half at both ends of the court. Senior forward Pete Trammell gave GVSU its first lead of the game (8-7) on a layup at the 14:31 mark and the Lakers held that lead for the rest of the half. Findlay tied the game on two occasions, but the Lakers always answered. GVSU led by as many as five in the opening half and held a 27-24 advantage after 20 minutes of action.

Findlay tied the game twice in the early moments of the second half, but a Pete Trammell three-pointer at the 17:10 mark gave GVSU a 32-29 lead. Findlay regained the lead (33-32) at the 16:31 mark. Sophomore forward Toreau Brown pulled GVSU to within one (35-34), but the Oilers went on a 20-3 run to take a 55-37 lead with 6:27 left in the game. The Lakers clawed its way back over the next five minutes and Pete Trammell's three-pointer with :56 seconds left pulled GVSU to within 10 (63-53). Findlay hit all four of its free throw attempts in the final minute to secure the win. Senior guard Jerret Smith hit a three-pointer as time expired for the final margin of 67-56.

Grand Valley State held Findlay to just 38.6 percent shooting from the floor and the Lakers in fact made one more field goal in the game. However, the big difference came at the charity stripe where Findlay outscored GVSU 19-7. Findlay also held a 37-31 rebounding advantage, including a 17-11 margin in offensive rebounds. Toreau Brown led GVSU with 12 points and five rebounds, while Pete Trammell and Jerret Smith each chipped in 11 points. Justin Ringler added nine points and six rebounds.

Pete Trammell and Justin Ringler were both named to the GLIAC All-Tournament team. Grand Valley State is 111-18 during the four-year careers of Pete Trammell and Bobby Tiernan, the winningest four-year period on Laker basketball history. GVSU was making its fourth straigt appearance in the GLIAC title game.