South Bay Lakers Drop Contest to Oklahoma City

The South Bay Lakers played their second-to-last game of the regular season against the Oklahoma City Blue as they fell, 115-132, on Tuesday night. Fabian White Jr. led the Lakers (20-11) in scoring with 25 points, a career high. Jahmi’us Ramsey paced the Blue (12-19), scoring 37 points.

The Blue got off to a hot start behind guard Jaden Shackelford, establishing an early lead. South Bay fought their way back behind 12 first quarter points from Fabian White Jr. to cut the lead to five, before Oklahoma City responded with a 18-5 run to close the quarter. South Bay trailed 24-42 after one. The second frame was much more competitive, but with the Lakers digging themselves a large whole, they couldn’t quite make up any ground. The Blue had five players score eight or more points in the half. Shaq Harrison and White Jr. led the way for both South Bay with 12 points each. The Lakers trailed 48-74 at half.

Quarter three saw both teams continue to trade buckets, until South Bay made a run near the end of the period. Cole Swider caught fire, scoring 11 points in the frame. The Lakers won the quarter 28-26 and went into the final frame down 87-104.

L.A. continued to build on that rhythm they had found near the end of the third quarter, starting the fourth with a quick 6-0 run to cut the deficit to just 11 with 10 minutes remaining. However, the lead proved to be insurmountable as the Lakers ultimately fell, 115-132.

Swider put together a final line of 24 points and seven rebounds. Shaq Harrison contributed 21 points and 14 dimes, tying his career high. White Jr. scored 25 points on 11-13 shooting. Jahmi’us Ramsey led the way for the Blue, scoring 37 points. Jaden Shackelford scored 21 points on five made three-point shots.

South Bay will play their last game against the NBA G League Ignite on Saturday, March 25, at 5:00pm from the UCLA Health and Training Center.