CLARION, Pa. -- Nnamdi Nnadili scored a game-high 26 points, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range, but it would not be enough as Mercyhurst fell at Clarion, 69-66. 

The loss eliminates Mercyhurst from PSAC playoff contention, marking the first time in three seasons that the Lakers have not qualified for the conference tournament after advancing to GLIAC postseason play in each of the last three seasons.

In that stretch, the Lakers won their first-ever NCAA postseason victory in 2005-06 with a 59-54 victory over Wayne St.

Nnadili started with the hot hand, scoring 21 of his Mercyhurst career-high 26 points in the first half to propel the Lakers to a slim 36-35 lead. He was 8-of-10 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

In the second half, Mercyhurst cooled down and Clarion fought its way back into the game behind 13 second-half points from center Josh Yanke. Both teams battled back and forth, with Clarion never leading by more than seven in the half. 

The Lakers would cut the Golden Eagles lead to three with 1:10 remaining after Anthony Terry sank both his free throws, but Clarion's Yanke would counter with two makes from the charity stripe with nine seconds left to send the Golden Eagles lead back to five points.

A quick 3-pointer by Terry cut the advantage to two with three seconds remaining but the Lakers could not complete the comeback.

Jordan Armstrong and Brian McTear each added 10 points while Iddo Cohen contributed five blocks in his first start of the year.

Yanke led Clarion with 25 points. 

Mercyhurst is in action next on Saturday, February 21st when the Lakers host Lock Haven in their last home game of the season. Seniors McTear and Milos Bogetic will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony.