Newton, MA - The Lasell men's basketball team was defeated by Johnson & Wales (RI), 73-57, in a GNAC conference matchup Thursday night at the Lasell College Athletic Center.  With the loss Lasell falls to 4-9 (3-3 GNAC).

LaMonte Thomas (Providence, RI) led the way for the Wildcats with a game high 28 points.  James Folk (Lawrence, MA) scored 11 points and Mike Harris (Providence, RI) was the only other Wildcat to score in double figures with 10.  Senior co-captain Javon Williams (Mattapan, MA) was the scoring leader for the Lasers putting up a team high 19 points.  Domink Orloff (Slupsk, Poland) was the only other Laser to score in double figures, chipping in with 13 points off the bench.

The Wildcats came out firing in first half jumping out to the early 15-4 lead at the 13:15 mark.  During the early run Williams was the only Laser to score.  But the Lasers went on an 11-5 run and after an Orloff free throw at 9:22 the lead was cut to 18-15.  But after a Harris jump shot at the 9:04 mark the Wildcats went on a 20-9 run for the rest of the half.  After a Storti three pointer with 2 seconds left in the half, the Wildcats led 38-24 at the half.

The Lasers tried to cut into the lead to start the second half.  After an Earnest McNeil (Boston, MA) layup at 17:01 made the score 38-28 it looked like the Lasers were ready to make a comeback.  But the Wildcats answered with four three pointers on their next four possessions and at the 13:40 mark they led 50-31.  The Lasers tried to cut into the lead and at 11:46 the score was 52-37.  But that was the closest the Lasers would get the rest of the game.  The Wildcats strong shooting helped them to the 73-57 victory.

Johnson & Wales shot 47.5% from the floor while the Lasers were held to only 37.9% shooting.  The Lasers did control the boards however grabbing 43 rebounds to the Wildcats 28.

With the win the Wildcats improve to 4-8 overall and 3-2 in the GNAC. Their next game is at home against GNAC opponent Emmanuel College Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

With the loss Lasell falls to 4-9 overall and 3-3 in the GNAC. The Lasers will look to rebound when they return to action on the road on Saturday against GNAC opponent Suffolk University at 5 p.m.

Story courtesy of Dan Nunn