The Lakewood Ranch Mustangs's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their ninth straight defeat. They received a tough blow as they fell 77-62 to Gulf Coast. Having run the score up that high, both teams might be doing some extra defensive drills very soon.
Despite the loss, Lakewood Ranch still got an impressive performance from James Butler, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and 11 rebounds. David Young was another key contributor, scoring eight points along with ten rebounds and two steals.
Even though they lost, Lakewood Ranch smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Gulf Coast got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Jace Seyler out in front who scored 19 points along with seven rebounds and three steals. Another player making a difference was LeCree Morgan, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds.
Gulf Coast used a slightly different lineup for their bout with Lakewood Ranch. Three players hit the court for the first time this season: Miguel Gonzalez, Wesley Roark, and Chance Alvarez. Roark made the most of the opportunity, scoring 17 points along with seven rebounds and six steals. A few more games like that and he might be seeing even more time going forward.
Lakewood Ranch has not been sharp recently as the team has lost 13 of their last 14 matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-14 record this season. As for Gulf Coast, they now have a winning record of 11-10.
Lakewood Ranch will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against Manatee at 7:30 p.m. Lakewood Ranch is coming into the matchup with four straight defeats at home, meaning Manatee will have to defend against a squad hungry for a victory. As for Gulf Coast, they will head out on the road to face off against Bonita Springs at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Bonita Springs is on a five-game streak of home losses, Gulf Coast a three-game streak of away losses, but someone's luck is about to change.
