EDINBORO, Pa. – Behind a career-high 23 points from junior Gerrae Williams, the Mercyhurst men's basketball team escaped McComb Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon with a, 67-65, victory, their fourth straight win.

Mercyhurst started off the game hot, making their first three baskets of the game. Callon Dailey drained two three-pointers, followed by a Williams' layup inside, to take an early, 8-2, lead. A James Ewing foul shot increased the Laker lead to seven, their largest of game.

The Fighting Scots would keep it close, as they would take their first lead of the game at the 8:21 mark in the first, 18-17. Andy Hoying would take the lead right back, making a jumper to regain a one point advantage.

Mercyhurst would remain ahead for the remainder of the half, until two Mike Beck free-throws tied the game at 28 all with 2:36 remaining. Edinboro's Henri Wade-Chatman converted on one of two from the line to give the Fighting Scots a one point halftime advantage, 29-28.

The second half would go back and forth, as there were seven ties and 11 lead changes during the period.

With 5:17 to play, Mercyhurst would knot the game, 55-55, off a Sean Beins jumper.

The Lakers would take control down the stretch, building a seven point lead with 2:23 remaining. Two James Ewing free-throws were followed by a Williams three-pointer for a five point advantage. Koyode Ajenifuja would drain two free-throws of his own to increase the lead to seven, 62-55.

However, the Fighting Scots wouldn't go away. Jaymon Mason would answer with a three and two free-throws to cut the Laker lead to two, 62-60, with 1:39 to play. Both teams would exchange buckets on their following possessions with Mercyhurst hanging on to a two point lead, 64-62.

A Hoying jumper would give the Lakers breathing room with 47 seconds remaining, but Mike Beck answered back with a three ball that cut the lead to one with 36 seconds to play. Williams would get fouled on the ensuing inbound and convert one of two from the line for a two point advantage, 67-65. Edinboro held for the last shot, as Mason missed a three-pointer with two seconds on the clock.

The Lakers finished the game shooting 49.1% (26-53) from the floor and held the Fighting Scots to 40.0% (20-50). The Lakers outscored Edinboro, 12-6, in the paint during the contest.

With the win, Mercyhurst improves to 5-3 overall, and 3-1 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. Edinboro falls to 3-4, 1-3 (PSAC).

The Lakers will come to begin a three game home stand beginning Friday, December 12, against Notre Dame (OH). Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.