Feb. 14, 2008

Box Score

Findlay, Ohio - Seventh-ranked Findlay turned a two-point game into a 43-27 lead at the half and never looked back, handing the Mercyhurst men's basketball team its first loss since Jan. 19 and halting its winning streak at six games by a 75-54 final Thursday.

Mercyhurst (14-11, 8-7 GLIAC), kept the contest tight through the first 10 minutes, but its cold shooting was too much to overcome. The Lakers shot just 36.8 percent from the field and hit only five free throws on the game while Findlay shot 45 percent from the field and sank 24-of-31 free throws.

It was Mercyhurst's lowest point total and field goal percentage since since scoring 48 and shooting 31 percent in a loss to Grand Valley State on Jan. 17. It was also the Lakers' 11th-straight loss to Findlay.

The Oilers (21-3, 11-3 GLIAC) received 21 points and nine rebounds from Josh Bostic. He and Morgan Lewis scored 10 points apiece in the first half and sparked Findlay's 28-14 run over the final 9:23 to open a 16-point advantage at the half.

Mercyhurst opened the second half with a 3-pointer from senior Terry Smith and a dunk by freshman Iddo Cohen to cut the lead to 11, and twice T.J. Mathis cut the lead to 10. The Lakers, however, could get no closer, as Findlay answered each run and the momentum halter usually came at the foul line. Findlay hit 14 foul shots in the second half alone.

One game after scoring a career-high 24, Mathis tossed in 22, including 15 in the first half and 10 of Mercyhurst's first 12 points. He also pulled down five rebounds and recorded three assists and two steals. Smith chipped in 11 points and three assists.

Findlay controlled the paint, outscoring the Lakers 28-14 inside and outrebounding them by a 41-28 margin.

Despite the loss, the Lakers remain in the third place in the GLIAC South Division, one and a half games ahead of Saturday's opponent, Ashland.

Mercyhurst and Ashland are scheduled to tip-off at 3 p.m.