MIDLAND, MI -- Courtesy:  LSSU

The Lake Superior State men's basketball team matched the Laker women's team's opening-game comeback and rallied back from a 20-5 deficit to beat Missouri-St. Louis 64-53 Friday during the first round of the Timberwolf Classic hosted by Northwood.

LSSU (1-0) trimmed its deficit to nine points by halftime, 31-22, and eventually tied the score, 40-40, thanks to a 12-0 run that included points by Derek Kinney, Khalid Wells, Derek Billing and Alex Williams. Lake Superior State took its first lead after going on a 9-0 run late in the second half. Kyle Hunt contributed a free throw and a layup, and Williams canned two three-pointers to put the Lakers ahead 54-47 wtih 2:40 remaining.

After shooting 25 percent from the field during the first half, LSSU was 11-for-25 for 44 percent during the second half. The Lakers made 5-of-9 three-point attempts and 15-of-17 free throws during the final 20 minutes.

Hunt led LSSU with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Billing finished with 13 points, five assists and three steals. Kinney added 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Cameron Metz turned in 10 points and six rebounds.

For the game, Lake Superior State shot 34.7 percent from the field, making 7-of-18 three-point attempts. The Lakers were 23-of-25 at the free-throw line and out-rebounded UMSL, 39-27.

Joshua McCoy led Missouri-St. Louis with 16 points and four rebounds. UMSL shot 44.8 percent from the field, including 4-of-22 from three-point range, and made 9-of-11 free throws.

The Lakers play Illinois-Springfield at 3 p.m. Saturday in Midland.