ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team defeated IUP, 64-57, in an early Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). Damon Jones and Sean Beins each recorded 17 points to lead the Lakers to their second win of the season.

With Mercyhurst leading by one, 20-19, at the 9:40 mark of the first half, Jean Onana drained a three to begin a 9-0 Laker run, increasing the lead to ten, 29-19. Jones would connect on two free-throws with 40 seconds remaining in the first half, to give Mercyhurst its largest lead, 34-22. A late Indiana (Pa.) bucket would close the first half margin to 10, 35-25. The Lakers generated 14 points off of 13 Crimson Hawks turnovers, and outscored the IUP bench, 17-4 in the opening frame.

Freshman center Connor Polce grabbed an offensive rebound and finished inside to give Mercyhurst its largest lead of the night, 45-32. IUP would only get as close as five in the second half as they went on a 7-0 run over a four minute span. The Lakers would answer the Crimson Hawks threat with a 6-1 spurt of their own to increase their lead back to double-digits, 62-52, with 1:25 showing on the clock. IUP's Brandon Norfleet would covert a late and-one with five seconds remaining to end the scoring at 64-57.

Mercyhurst held a slight rebounding advantage over IUP, 33-30, while each team finished with 19 made field goals. Despite Indiana's (Pa.) seven made three point baskets, to Mercyhurst's two, the Lakers won the game out the foul line. The Lakers finished 24-of-31 (77.4%) from the charity stripe, compared to a 12-of-21 (60.0%) effort from IUP.

With the win, Mercyhurst improves to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in PSAC play. IUP falls to 1-2, 0-1 PSAC.

The Lakers will play host to two PSAC East opponents, Shippensburg and Kutztown, this weekend. The Raiders of Ship will travel to the MAC Saturday. November 21, for a 3:00 p.m. tip.