MILWAUKEE – The MSOE men's basketball team could not stop Lakeland's hot shooting early in falling to the Muskies 91-70 Wednesday evening at the Kern Center.

The Raiders (9-8, 6-6 NACC) saw Lakeland (12-6, 8-5 NACC) shoot nearly 65 percent in the opening half and fell behind by 23 at halftime. The deficit proved too much.

Junior Connor Patterson scored 15 points to lead MSOE. Junior Austin Stueck notched 12 points and freshman Tegan Miles scored a career-high 11 to go with five rebounds.

Four Muskies scored in double-figures, led by Joey Burris' 23. Derrick Denny hit six 3-pointers for 18 points, while Travis Kell scored 15 and Brandon Hagenow 10.

Lakeland rode hot shooting to a sizable lead in the first half, taking a 51-28 lead into halftime. The visitors shot 64.5 percent in the half and made 8-of-12 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Raider's offense took some time to get going and they shot just 40 percent and committed 11 turnovers.

MSOE was able to cut into that deficit somewhat in the second half, pulling as close as 14. Unfortunately, the Muskies hit some late three-pointers to build their advantage back over 20.

The Red & White shot 43.3 percent for the game and finished with 21 turnovers. Lakeland cooled off in the second half and finished at 54.2 percent shooting. That figure included 11-of-22 from three-point range.

The Raiders return to the floor Saturday at Aurora.