ST. PETERSBURG — Crisp play and a significant size advantage helped Lakewood cruise past Boca Ciega, 75-59, Friday night at Eckerd College.
Bogie (7-9, 1-4) won three of its previous four coming in while Lakewood (5-8, 3-1) had lost three of its previous four. But the Spartans looked sharp Friday, sinking six 3-pointers and using their height to throw down slam dunks. Most of those dunks came courtesy of
Jacobi Boykins, who had 18 points, including two 3-pointers.
Lakewood entered halftime with a 12-point lead and stretched it to 19 by the end of the third quarter. Jimmie Robinson had six of the team’s 18 points in that quarter.
Boca Ciega’s Raeshon Dunbar led all scorers with 31 points, most of which he had to fight for under the basket. Nearly half of his total came from the free-throw line. Jeremy Ledbetter and Shondell Williams also reached double digits, with 15 and 11 respectively.
Both teams kept up a quick pace, but Lakewood was far more successful getting inside. On defense, the Spartans used their height advantage to reject shots.
Michael Clark led Lakewood with 24 points. In addition to Boykins, Jocqui Ellison and Robinson each scored in double digits, with 10 apiece. Ellison and Jah’varis Dukes hit two 3-pointers each.
Lakewood coach Anthony Lawrence said he has had the team focus on executing plays, and said he spent a lot of time with former coach Dan Wright. The work paid off on this night.
“We were able to get out and run like we’re supposed to,” Lawrence said. “We finished tonight.”