Commodores Start Strong But Fall To Clark State College at Home

January 24, 2026 - - The Lorain County Community College men's basketball team built an early lead before falling 101–81 to Clark State College on Saturday afternoon at the Ewing Activities Center Gymnasium.

LCCC opened the game strong and led 43–37 at halftime, thanks to hot shooting from the perimeter.  Dennis Pettis Jr. (Lorain, Ohio/Lorain HS) and Ike Rowser (Lorain, Ohio/Lorain HS) each knocked down three 3-pointers in the first half as the Commodores built a six-point halftime advantage.  LCCC extended its lead to nine points early in the second half after Rowser converted two free throws with 18:54 to play.

Clark State responded with a 21–5 run over the next six minutes to take control of the game.

Rowser led the Commodores with 20 points, adding five rebounds, six assists, and three baskets from downtown.  Pettis Jr. finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and three triples, recording his first double-double of the season.  Jayveon Roe (Euclid, Ohio/Villa Angela-St. Joseph HS) added 17 points and eight rebounds on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting performance.

Aven Kielian (Lorain, Ohio/Lorain HS) contributed six points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Bryson Hicks (Elyria, Ohio/Midview HS) added four points and a block.  Off the bench, Anthony Atkins (Cleveland, Ohio/Valley Forge HS) scored 11 points and hit two shots from long range.

As a team, LCCC shot 42 percent in the first half but was held to 27 percent in the second half.  The Commodores converted 19-of-23 from the free-throw line for the game.