The Windsor Lancers men's basketball team was in London on Friday to take on the Western Mustangs in first leg of a five game road trip. Despite a first half lead, the Lancers made too many miscues down the stretch on route to a 93-78 loss.
 
The Blue & Gold are now 2-2 on the year and are tied for third place in the OUA west division with the Laurier Golden Hawks. The win moves the Mustangs into sole possession of second place with a 3-2 record.
 
GAME STATS
Damian Persaud led the scoring for Windsor with 16 points. The Mustangs were paced by Henry Tan's 17 points. The Mustangs recorded an impressive 18 steals with Nikola Farkic leading the hosts with four of his own.
 
Despite the loss, the Lancers posted a 50 per cent field goal percentage compared to Western's 43%.
 
GAME FLOW
The Lancers started the game on the right foot with a bucket right out of the gates. The offense was very efficient shooting 57 per cent from the field in the first half. Led by Persaud, who scored 12 in the first half, Windsor was able to put 42 on the board by halftime. Unfortunately for the Lancers, despite the offensive success, they still found themselves in a tight game.
 
Despite the Lancers defense giving up only 38 per cent from the field, their 11 turnovers played a big part in Western keeping it a close game. Windsor went into the break only up 42-40.
 
The third quarter proved to a big one as the Lancers surrendered 32 points in the third quarter alone. The turnover issue persisted into the second half as Windsor turned the ball over 13 times in the back half. Western's defense swarmed the Lancers, forcing 18 steals on the game and holding Windsor to just 30 per cent from the three point line.
 
Persuad, who had 12 first half points, only scored four the rest of the game. Mike Rocca was held in check; the usually trustworthy guard went 0-4 from beyond the arc.  The Lancers mistakes were too much to overcome as the dropped their first road game to Western, 93-78.
 
UP NEXT
Windsor will now travel to Ottawa to face the Carleton Ravens on Friday November 17th at 8:00pm. The game can be seen live from the Raven's Nest on www.oua.tv.