ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Grand Valley State men's basketball team earned their second straight win to start the season with an 80-71 win over the Cedarville Yellow Jackets Saturday (Nov. 20) night in their home-opener at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The Lakers improve to 2-0 on the year with a pair of in-region wins and drop the Yellow Jackets to 1-3 on the early campaign.
 
Jake Van Tubbergen scored a team-high 17 points and collected his second double-double in as many games to start the season. Christian Negron added 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks while Jordan Harris had seven points and six assists. Harris combined with Ja'Kavien Lewis for 10 assists to just one turnover from the point guard spot on the day.
 
After a slugfest early, the Lakers trailed 10-5 at the first media timeout and didn't take their first lead until midway through the first half, when they see-sawed in front 13-12 and never relinquished the lead. The Lakers got 20 points from their bench down the stretch of the first half and opened up a 42-30 lead at the break.
 
A 6-0 run started the second half and the Laker lead would balloon as high as 19 before Cedarville went on a 10-0 run to keep things interesting. They would get as close as six points in the second half, but GVSU routinely had the answer – be it on offense or defense – to hold off the comeback and earn a second straight win.
 
The Lakers are back in action on Tuesday (Nov. 23) when they host Grace Christian at 7 PM. The game will air on 1340 AM The Ticket West Michigan and the Grand Valley Sports Network (www.gvsulakers.com/watch). Follow @GVSUBasketball for all the latest updates throughout the season and beyond.