GRAYSLAKE, ILL. - Following a ten-day hiatus, the Madison College men's basketball team returned to game action Tuesday and finished off a three-game season-opening road swing with a 68-58 victory over the College of Lake County in a Region 4 contest. Behind a season-high point total from sophomore Deante Luster, the WolfPack turned around a double-digit first half deficit to secure their third consecutive win over the Lancers, who lead the all-time series by a 6-3 tally.

The College of Lake County (3-3) used the game's first nine minutes to build a 20-10 lead on the back of a 13-3 run. Freshman Romelle Bell knocked down a three-pointer to regain some momentum for the WolfPack, and ignited a surge of 13 straight points for the visitors. The teams traded ties and lead changes over the final seven minutes of the half, which ended with a 34-33 advantage for CLC.

Alll square at 35-35 early in the second half, Madison College followed another Bell jumper with a 14-3 push to secure a 49-38 edge after another Bell layup. The WolfPack to 13 on two occasions after Mason Kleinsmith connected from downtown to make it 56-43 and Luster splashed in a jump shot at 58-45. The Lancers closed to within eight shortly after, but they would never get any closer en route to a ten-point Madison College victory.

Luster, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, played all 40 minutes and posted a season-high 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting that included a 2 for 5 effort from long range. He also made 3 of 4 free throws to reach the 20-point plateau for the second straight game and the seventh time in his career. The wing also had seven rebounds and a team-best four assists.

Bell, a freshman guard from Chicago, Illinois, was the only other player to score in double-digits for the Pack, finishing with a season-high 12 points. He converted four of his six field goal attempts, was a perfect 2 for 2 beyond the arc, and added two free throws. Bell also secured five boards.

First year forward Justin Pleasant cleaned up the glass with his second ten-rebound performance of the year, and added seven points.

Madison College shot 50% overall (24-48) and from three (6-12), and was 61% (14-23) at the free throw line. 

Up Next:

Madison College (2-1) will play their home opener inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium on Thursday, November 16 against long-time in-state rival Western Technical College (2-0). The WolfPack boasts a 70-33 lead in the all-time series and has won the last eight meetings with the Cavaliers. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. and can be streamed live at MadisonCollege.TV.

Thursday's basketball doubleheader will also include a recognition of Native American Heritage Month.

Follow WolfPack men's basketball: Facebook | Twitter