AMHERST, NY – The Mercyhurst men's basketball team squeaked out another close win Tuesday night in their first road contest of the season at Daemen, 75-69. The non-conference win improves the Lakers' record to 4-1 overall while the Wildcats fall to 1-2. Four Lakers scored in double figures with
Sean Beins leading the way, recording 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field.
Gerrae Williams got off to a hot start, draining his first three baskets, to give Mercyhurst an early five point lead, 10-5, at the 16:56 mark. The Wildcats wouldn't let their deficit get any larger, as the rest of the half was played within a five point margin. First half play saw four tie games and nine different lead changes. Daemen would hold a one point advantage, 31-30, at the break.
The back-and-forth play would continue with both teams exchanging baskets early in the second half. After a Beins layup that gave the Lakers a three point lead with 14:03 to play, the wildcats went on a 10-0 run, giving them the largest lead of the game, 51-44.
Daemen would hold their seven point advantage with 8:29 remaining before the Lakers began chipping away. Seniors
Andy Hoying and
Jean Onana would covert baskets on back-to-back possessions to help Mercyhurst tie the game at 61 with 4:23 showing on the clock. Williams, another Lakers senior, gave Mercyhurst the lead after draining his third three pointer of the night. From that point, the Lakers would never trail again, putting the Wildcats away down the stretch. Mercyhurst outscored Daemen 11-8 down the stretch after the Williams three.
Beins (19),
Damon Jones (14), Williams (11), and Onana (10) all recorded double digits in scoring while the Lakers also outrebounded the Wildcats, 29-21. Mercyhurst finished the game shooting 57.1% (28-49) from the floor, their third time shooting over 50% this season.
Mercyhurst will be back in action Tuesday, December 1, at home against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) foe Edinboro. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC).
