ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team dropped their third consecutive contest to the hands of Pitt-Johnstown, 69-65, Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The loss drops the Lakers' record to 15-8 overall and 12-7 in league play, while UPJ improves to 15-9, 11-8 PSAC.

After a back-and-forth first half, Mercyhurst went into the break with a two point lead, 32-30. Neither team held a lead larger than four through the first 20 minutes of play. Gerrae Williams knocked down three 3-pointers, while Kayode Ajenifuja posted 11 first half points on 5-of-9 shooting. The Lakers forced nine Mountain Cats turnovers, but UPJ wasn't rattled, as they finished the half shooting 50 percent from the field (13-of-26).

UPJ would, then, open the second half on an 18-2 run over a 5:48 span, helping them to a 14 point advantage, 48-34. Mercyhurst would follow with a 13-2 run of their own, pulling back within three, 50-47. However, the Mountain Cats hot shooting continued, as they went on to make three 3-pointers on their next six possessions, helping them to increase their lead back to double figures, 60-49. Mercyhurst would make a late run under four minutes to play, but it wasn't enough, as UPJ held on.

Williams finished the game with 19 points, leading all scorers, while Ajenifuja posted 17.

As a team, the Lakers shot 41.8 percent (23-of-55) from the field, making nine 3-pointers. UPJ held the slight rebounding advantage, 33-31.

The Lakers will be back in action Wednesday, February 17, when they host Seton Hill. Tip-off from the MAC is set for 7:30 p.m.