Nov. 29, 2007

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Lakers jumped out to an early lead but could not hold on as the team suffered a 71-59 loss to GLIAC opponent Michigan Tech Thursday night. Sophomore transfer Stevie Spetoskey scored a season high 22 points and went 5-for-7 from behind the arc. Mercyhurst drops to 1-5 this season and 0-1 in the GLIAC. Michigan Tech improves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

The Lakers came roaring out of the gates in the first half, building up a 24-10 lead nine minutes into the contest. Sophomore guard Paris Pugliese jump started the run with three three-pointers in the first four minutes, and Spetoskey added two of her own to bring the score to 15-4. Mercyhurst continued the run, leading at one time by 17 points at 10:12 left in the half.

The Huskies fought back though towards the end of the half and went on its own 11 point run to pull within two to end the half at 33-31 in favor of Mercyhurst.

In the second half, both teams exchanged buckets with no team leading by more than four points until the last four minutes of regulation. Mercyhurst was forced to foul the Huskies to try to gain possession of the ball in the last three minutes. The Huskies finished the foul shot opportunities, going 11-for-12 from the line, pushing the final lead to 12.

Backing up Spetoskey for the Lakers was Pugliese with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. All-GLIAC South Player of the Week Amy Achesinski continued her success with her third double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Mercyhurst's starting five contributed 54 points while Michigan Tech's starters tallied 52. The difference came from the bench where the Lakers turned in only five points to the Huskies 19.

Mercyhurst will return to the court on Saturday when it faces its second GLIAC opponent Northern Michigan. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.