EASTON, Pa. — On Friday evening, Justin Vander Baan played a pivotal role in leading the Lafayette Leopards to a decisive 75-56 win over LIU, contributing 18 points off the bench.
Vander Baan’s performance also included four blocks, showcasing his defensive skills for the Leopards, who now hold a record of 3-4. Alongside him, Devin Hines made his mark with 12 points and an impressive eight rebounds, while Malik Rasul added 11 points to the team’s total.

For the Sharks, Malachi Davis scored a notable 16 points, and Blake Lander supported the effort with 15 points. Jamal Fuller also made noteworthy contributions, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and four steals.

The Leopards seized control of the game when they took the lead at 6:50 remaining in the first half. Rasul was the standout scorer during this period, netting six points to help Lafayette establish a 35-26 advantage by halftime. Following the intermission, Lafayette maintained their momentum, extending their lead further with a vigorous 12-3 run that skyrocketed their advantage from seven to 16 points. Vander Baan continued to shine in the second half, leading the team with 12 points, while the Leopards outscored LIU by a margin of 10 points in the latter half.

LOOKING AHEAD

Both teams are set to return to the court on Saturday, with Lafayette preparing to host Niagara and LIU gearing up to face Binghamton.