EDINBORO, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from Edinboro, 72-47. The win moves the Lakers' record to 15-5 overall and 12-4 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, while the Fighting Scots fall to 12-7, 11-5 PSAC.

After an abysmal shooting performance Wednesday at home against Slippery Rock, the Lakers rebounded to shoot 50 percent from the floor -- 51.9 percent (14-of-27) in the second half -- to go on to defeat Edinboro on the road by 25 points.

With Mercyhurst hanging on to a one point lead, 22-21, with 4:49 to play in the first, the Lakers would go on to outscore the Fighting Scots 12-6, taking a seven point lead into the break, 34-27.

The Lakers would open the second half on a 16-5 run, that lasted 10:07, opening a twenty point lead, 52-32. Mercyhurst would cruise from there, leading by as many as 29 points late into the half.

It was another stellar defensive performance for the Lakers, as they held Edinboro to just eight field goals in the second half (8-of-28) and held them to just 33.3 percent shooting for the game.

In the first meeting between the two schools earlier this season, Edinboro shot 56.9 percent from the field at the MAC, handing Mercyhurst their first PSAC Western Division loss, 77-67.

Kayode Ajenifuja led all scorers with 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field, while Gerrae Williams (14) and Andy Hoying (12) also finished with double figures scoring.

Mercyhurst also dominated the boards, outrebounding Edinboro by 21, 45-24. The 45 rebounds was a season-high.

The Lakers will be back on the road Wednesday, February 3, at IUP (15-5, 12-3 PSAC) for a battle for the top spot in the PSAC West. Tipoff from the Kovalchick Complex is set for 7:30 p.m.