ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's basketball team used another balanced attack to outwear Clarion, 81-65, Saturday afternoon. Eleven players registered a field goal in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division contest at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). Callon Dailey led the Lakers in scoring; posting 13 points and added 4 steals.

The Lakers recorded a season-high 33 field goals and shot a season-high 57.9% (33-57) from the field. The 81 points was the fourth highest output this season. Mercyhurst hasn't reached 80 points since January 7 in an 82-60 win over Mansfield at home.

It was also contrary that the Lakers finished the game with 11 steals against the Golden Eagles, who are fifth in the country in that category, averaging 11.29 per game coming into today. The Laker defense forced Clarion into 19 turnovers but could not extend their streak of holding opponents to fewer than 60 points like they have the past six games. Mercyhurst hasn't allowed more than 65 points since December 20 in a loss on the road to Millersville, 87-81.

After honoring five seniors before the game, Coach Manchel gave them the nod to start against the Golden Eagles. For three of them (James Ewing, Callon Dailey, and Terrence Ingram), it wasn't anything new but for Paris Bennett and Kevin Dagg, it was something special. Bennett and Dagg made their first start as a Laker and contributed early on with Dagg opening up the scoring for Mercyhurst, nailing a three from the corner. Bennett followed the three with a layup in the paint, to give the Lakers an early 5-4 advantage.

With the game tied midway through the first half, 19-19, Mercyhurst used a 9-0 run to open up the game. Kayode Ajenifuja and Dailey each recorded four points during the stretch. Mercyhurst would lead by as many as 12 in the half and would take an eight point lead into the break, 39-31.

Clarion would threaten early in the second half, as they rallied from 11 points down, to cut the Laker lead to five with 14:30 to play. Mercyhurst would respond with a 7-0 run of their own, to increase the lead back to double-digits where it would stay the rest of the game.

Mercyhurst finished the game dominating the paint, outscoring Clarion 42-18. The Laker's bench would also outscore the Golden Eagles, 43-5, while scoring 27 points off the 19 Clarion turnovers compared to five points off of the Lakers 15 turnovers.

With the win, Mercyhurst improves to 18-7 overall and 15-5 PSAC. Clarion falls to 8-14, 6-13 PSAC.

With Edinboro beating #16 Indiana (Pa.) this afternoon in overtime, 79-77, Mercyhurst trails only rival Gannon in the standings by a half game. The Lakers will face off against Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill next week, both on the road.

The Mercyhurst and Pitt-Johnstown game will be Wednesday, February 18. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.