ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team defeated Clarion, 84-68, Tuesday night at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center and advances to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Semifinals for the third time since joining the conference. The Lakers will face-off against PSAC Eastern Division foe Shippensburg at West Chester on Saturday, March 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

It was all Mercyhurst from the tip, as the Lakers got out to an early 10-2 lead and never looked back.

Mercyhurst shot lights-out in the first half, shooting 54.5 percent (18-of-33) from the field and drained 8-of-10 3-point field goals. Kayode Ajenifuja was the star of the half, going 8-of-11 from the field, 2-for-2 from downtown and pulled down five rebounds. He scored 18 points in the first 20 minutes. The Lakers concluded their spectacular first half performance with a 13-0 run, to give Mercyhurst their largest lead of the game heading into the half, 51-26.

Clarion was never able to put the game back within reach in the second half, as Mercyhurst led comfortably by double digits the remainder of the game.

Ajenifuja led all scorers with 23 points, while Jean Onana (18), Gerrae Williams (12) and Damon Jones (10) also scored in double figures -- All seniors.  

The Lakers finished 28-of-54 (51.9%) from the field and 13-of-20 from three. The 13 3-point field goals ties a season-high. Mercyhurst also outrebounded the Golden Eagles, 39-37.

When Mercyhurst has scored 70 points or more this season, they are 13-0.

With the Win, the Lakers improve to 19-8 overall.

For more in depth coverage and postgame interview videos with Head Coach Gary Manchel and Ajenifuja, CLICK HERE.