ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team defeated California (Pa.), 65-38, Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The win improves the Lakers' record to 17-8 overall and 14-7 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. Cal falls to 7-20, 4-17 PSAC.

The Lakers came out of the gate hot, shooting 52.0 percent (13-of-25) from the field and made 7-of-14 (50.0%) 3-pointers to help them to a 20 point halftime advantage.

Seniors Jean Onana and Kayode Ajenifuja each posted nine points in the opening frame. Onana finished the half draining 3-of-4 3-pointers, while Ajenifuja was 4-of-6 from the field.

The Lakers led by double digits the whole second half in route to their ninth home win of the season.

Mercyhurst's defense held Cal to 38 points – the second lowest output allowed by the Lakers this year (at UPJ – 37). The Lakers forced the Vulcans into 18 turnovers and held them to 35.6 percent (16-of-45) shooting from the field. Mercyhurst also outrebounded Cal by eight, 33-25.

Three of the six Laker seniors ended their regular season home playing careers in double figures scoring, as Damon Jones led the team with 15, while Onana (14) and Ajenifuja (13) fell right behind.

With one game remaining on the Lakers' regular season schedule, Mercyhurst holds a one game lead over Edinboro. If Mercyhurst defeats crosstown rival Gannon Wednesday, February 24, at the Hammermill Center, they will receive the two seed in the PSAC West, earning them a first round bye.

Wednesday's rivalry game marks game two of the new Porreco Pride of Erie game at Gannon. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.