STEVENSVILLE — Despite a game-high 24 points from senior D.J. Lanier, visiting Dowagiac dropped a 53-41 non-conference game to Lakeshore Tuesday night.

Lanier was 8-of-17 from the field and 4-of-7 from the free throw line.

The Chieftains (2-4) and Lancers (4-0) battled it out for three quarters. Dowagiac was able to gain an early advantage thanks to several Lakeshore turnovers, which allowed it to grab an 11-8 lead after one quarter.

Lakeshore cut down on its miscues and outscored the Chieftains 11-6 in the second quarter to take a 19-17 halftime lead.

Both teams scored 13 points in the third quarter, which allowed the Lancers to maintain their two-point lead.

It was all Lakeshore in the final eight minutes. The Lancers poured in 21 points, while holding Dowagiac to just 11 points. Lakeshore was 11-of-12 from the free throw line in the final eight minutes, and 20-of-26 for the game.

The Chieftains were 4-of-7 from the line.

Besides Lanier, Dowagiac also got 14 points from Dashawn Brooks.

Lakeshore outrebounded the Chieftains 30-17.

Dowagiac will host Edwardsburg in a Wolverine Conference South Division showdown Friday night.