Dec. 5, 2007

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Lakers found an offensive rhythm early in the first half that the Edinboro Fighting Scots could not match in a decisive 83-65 Lakers victory Wednesday. Four Mercyhurst players scored at least 15 points and the team shot 53 percent from the field and 50 percent from three point range. The Lakers put a stop to their six game losing streak and are now 2-6 this season. Edinboro falls to 3-2 on the year.

In the first half, Edinboro hit a three pointer of the opening tip, but Mercyhurstanswered back though with a 16 point run. The run was led by Stevie Spetoskey and Stephanie Prischak with seven points each, Paris Pugliese added the final two within the first five minutes. In the first half alone, Spetoskey tallied 12 points and Prischak registered 11. Amy Achesinski and Pugliese each provided six rebounds to lead the Lakers on the boards.

Mercyhurst used smothering defense to contain Edinboro, which shot 21 percent from the field in the first half and nine percent from three point range. The Lakers held a convincing 50-23 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Edinboro outscored the Lakers 42-33, but only managed to get as close as 16 on four different occasions. Samantha Reimer led the Fighting Scots with 18 points.

For the Lakers, Prischak tied her season high with 23 points and contributed five rebounds and five assists, while Pugliese scored a career-high 16 points accompanied by nine rebounds and three assists. Spetoskey and Achesinski each contributed 15 points offensively, while Achesinski tallied 12 rebounds to earn her fourth double-double this year. The Lakers ended up shooting 49 percent from the field, 57 percent from the arc and 82 percent from the free throw line.

Mercyhurst will hit the road for a match-up Saturday against GLIAC opponent Lake Superior State. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.