ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team defeated crosstown rival Gannon, 76-47, Wednesday night at the Hammermill Center, sweeping the season series. It is the first time the Lakers have swept the series against Gannon since the 2011-12 season -- both wins came by a combined four points. With the win, Mercyhurst improves to 18-8 overall and 15-7 in league play, while Gannon falls to 7-19, 6-16 PSAC.

The Lakers came out firing from all cylinders in the first half, shooting 57.1 percent (16-of-28) from the field and drained seven 3-pointers. Jean Onana, who made his second consecutive start Wednesday night, finished the half a perfect 7-of-7 from the field, making three 3-pointers. His 18 points helped put the Lakers ahead by 29 heading into the break.

Mercyhurst would come out for the second half right where they left off, leading by as many as 36 with 3:47 to play. The Lakers continued their hot shooting, as they went 12-of-22 (54.5%) from the field in the final 20 minutes.

Onana led the Lakers with 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the floor – 4-of-5 from three. The senior from Yaounde, Cameroon received the Porreco Pride of Erie Game Changer Award for his play.

Gerrae Williams was the only other Laker to finish in double figures with 11.

Mercyhurst finished the game shooting 56.0 percent (28-of-50) form the field and 47.8 percent (11-of-23) from three.

For now, the Porreco Pride of Erie Trophy will remain at Mercyhurst until next season.

The Lakers will resume play next Tuesday in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Quarterfinals at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Mercyhurst will await the winner of the three-seed Edinboro versus the sixth-seed Clarion. Those two will face-off at Edinboro Saturday in the PSAC First Round.