The Iowa Lakes Community College men's basketball team delivered one of its most spirited performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, nearly toppling nationally ranked #4 Iowa Central Community College. In a game that featured 10 lead changes and relentless intensity, the Lakers fell just short, 80–78, after a last-second attempt to tie the game fell short.
From the opening tip, Iowa Lakes showed it was ready for the challenge, matching Iowa Central's pace and physicality. The Lakers trailed by five at halftime (43–38) but stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Tritons 40–37 and putting themselves in position for a statement win.
Key Performers for Iowa Lakes:
- Germaal Forde led the way with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
- Steven Martinez chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Jack Wadlington contributed 4 points and 5 assists.
- Cooper Harris accounted for 12 points and 4 rebounds.
- Off the bench, Joey Gagnon contributed 8 points and 8 rebounds. Dominic Preiser grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds. Jermaine Freeman added 13 points and 3 assists. Jorge Castro pitched in 6 points.
The Lakers shot an impressive 45% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, while holding Iowa Central to 35.6% shooting overall. Iowa Lakes dominated the paint with 28 points inside and received a huge boost from its bench, which scored 30 points compared to Iowa Central's 7. Iowa Lakes outrebounded Iowa Central 40–35.
"This one stings because we had chances to win, but I couldn't be prouder of how our guys competed tonight," said Head Coach Jason McKinney. "We showed toughness, we executed, and we went toe-to-toe with a top-5 team. If we keep playing with this energy, good things are coming for this group."