South Bay Lakers Defeat Iowa For Three Straight

The South Bay Lakers played their fifth game of the regular season against the Iowa Wolves as they won, 143-132, on Monday night. Javante McCoy led the Lakers (3-2) in scoring with 27 points. Luka Garza paced the Wolves (1-5), scoring 31 points.

The opening period was tight, as both teams found their offensive rhythm early. Jay Huff and Bryce Hamilton led South Bay with seven points each in the quarter. D.J. Carton put up nine, while two-way player Luka Garza had seven. Iowa carried a narrow advantage into the second frame, 35-34. The second quarter saw South Bay clicking on all cylinders. Devin Cannady exploded for 14 points, including four three-pointers. Javante McCoy made all five of his shot attempts to give him 12 in the quarter. The Lakers defense forced five steals in the period which led to 17 fast break points. South Bay scored 47 points in the quarter and 81 in the half, both totals being their highest of the season. L.A. led, 81-67 at the break.

Quarter three saw Iowa respond after giving up a huge second quarter. Garza hit two big three-pointers to cut South Bay’s lead to as little as 10. However, the Lakers did enough offensively to keep their double-digit lead throughout the quarter. McCoy continued to stay hot, adding nine more to his tally in the quarter. Huff added three blocks, bringing his total to six, the most any player has posted in a single game this regular season. The Lakers led 109-98 going into the closing quarter.

Both teams continued to trade baskets throughout the final frame in what continued to be a high scoring affair. However, the Lakers lead never wavered, staying above double digits since the beginning of the second half. South Bay closed the game out 143-132.

McCoy put together a final line of 27 points and five rebounds. Devin Cannady added 30 points on six three-pointers. Hamilton put up 24 of his own while Huff posted a line of 13 points, seven rebounds, seven blocks and two assists. All five Lakers scored in double figures for just the third time this season. For the Wolves Garza posted 31 points and six rebounds while Wendell Moore Jr. scored up 24 and dished out nine assists.

South Bay’s next game will be a rematch against Iowa on Wednesday, January 11, at 7:00pm from the UCLA Health Training Center.