ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's basketball team went on to defeat Pitt-Johnstown, 73-60, Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). Ten Lakers scored in the contest, as
Damon Jones led the squad, scoring 17 points.
It was another rough start for Mercyhurst, as they fell behind early, trailing 17-4, 20-8, and 27-15. Down 12 with 7:29 to play in the half,
Andy Hoying sparked a 12-0 run after draining one of his two three-pointers. Two
Sean Beins free-throws were followed by a
Jean Onana jumper to pull within five at the 4:03 mark. Jones would finish off the run on his own, making two layups, one of which sent him to the free-throw line where he tied the game at 27.
Mercyhurst would outscore the Mountain Cats 7-3 during the final three minutes of the half, to take a four point lead into the break, 34-30.
Pitt-Johnstown would keep the game within five the first 10 minutes of the second half, until the Lakers defense forced the Mountain Cats into a turnover machine. Mercyhurst's defense forced UPJ into 22 turnovers that led the Lakers to open up a lead as large as 17 points, 69-52, with 4:08 remaining in the game. Pitt-Johnstown would never get the game back within single digits.
The Lakers 22 forced turnovers opened up easy scoring opportunities out in the open court, where Mercyhurst scored 32 points of the Mountain Cats miscues. Mercyhurst would also dominate the paint, outscoring UPJ inside, 42-40. The Laker bench also out produced Pitt-Johnstown's, outscoring the Mountain Cats', Pitt-Johnstown's, outscoring the Mountain Cats', 46-9.
Along with Jones,
Gerrae Williams (11) and Beins (10) scored in double figures, while
Callon Dailey posted a career-high 10 assists. Mercyhurst shot 47.5% (28-59) from the floor and 82.4% (14-17) from the charity stripe. The Lakers also recorded 12 steals, a season-high.
Mercyhurst improves to 13-5 overall with the win and 10-3 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. Pitt-Johnstown falls to 9-7 overall, 6-6 PSAC.
The Lakers are back at home Wednesday, January 21, against Seton Hill. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the MAC.
