ERIE, Pa. – After not recording over 80 points for nearly two months, Mercyhurst has now scored 81 points in back-to-back games to win their fourth consecutive by defeating Pitt-Johnstown on the road, 81-72. All ten players recorded a field goal in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division contest at the Sports Center. Kayode Ajenifuja scored a career-high 16 points, while Sean Beins also posted 16.

Despite trailing by as many as nine in the first half, Mercyhurst overcame Pitt-Johnstown's 58.3% (7-12) three-point shooting, to dominate the paint. The Lakers outscored UPJ, 18-8, in the paint area and out produced the Mountain Cats' bench, 24-8, in the first half, but still went into the break down by one, 39-38. Mercyhurst finished the half shooting 59.3% (16-27) from the field but were only three-of-seven from behind the arc.

In the second half, the shots were continuing to fall, as the Lakers went on a 17-2 run over an eight minute stretch to open up their largest lead of the night, 59-48. Both, Beins and Jean Onana, scored five points during the run, while Ajenifuja added four. The spurt was highlighted with two dunks by Ajenifuja and Beins.

The Mountain Cats would threaten with 4:30 to play, as they pulled within three, 65-62, after going on a 12-4 spurt. Beins would answer on the Lakers next possession, finishing off a layup inside to give Mercyhurst a five point advantage with just a little over four minutes remaining. UPJ would try to extend the game by fouling, but Mercyhurst would connect on 12-of-14 free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

The Lakers continued their dominance in the paint and got tremendous production from the bench, outscoring Pitt-Johnstown, 16-8, in the paint and 27-9 form the bench in the second half. Mercyhurst finished shooting 53.8% (28-52) from the field and 75.0% (21-28) from the line. Mercyhurst also outrebounded the Mountain Cats, 30-24. The Lakers are now 9-1 when outrebounding their opponents.

Four Lakers finished in double-figures with Callon Dailey and Onana each scoring 10 points along with Ajenifuja and Beins' 16 points. Matt Palo scored a game-high 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting.


With the win, Mercyhurst improves to 19-7 overall and 16-5 PSAC. Pitt-Johnstown falls to 12-12, 9-11 PSAC.


Mercyhurst will be back on the road Saturday at Seton Hill in the regular season finale. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.