CLARION, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team dropped their second consecutive game Saturday night at Clarion, 67-62. The win is the Lakers' third loss in the past four games, dropping their record to 15-7 overall and 12-6 in league play. Clarion evens their record to 12-12, 9-9 PSAC.

Mercyhurst led by as many 13 in the first half, opening the game on a 15-4 run. The Lakers finished the half 12-of-27 (44.4%) from the field and held the Golden Eagles to 6-of-24 (25.0%) shooting. Mercyhurst held an eight point lead, 35-23, at the break.

Kayode Ajenifuja opened the second half with a layup in the paint to give the Lakers their largest lead of the game, 37-23.

Clarion would rally from there with a 17-2 run, taking a one-point lead, 40-39. The Lakers tried to hold on but felt the momentum shifting in Clarions favor. With the game deadlocked at 53 with 4:46 to play, the Golden Eagles went on a 7-0 spurt, knocking out the Lakers for good.

Clarion finished the second half shooting 54.2% from the field while Mercyhurst shot only 29.6% (8-of-27). The Lakers were 0-of-7 from 3-point range – 2-of-15 (13.3%) for the game.

Ajenifuja finished the game with a team-high 20 points while Damon Jones recorded 15 and Andy Hoying 12.

The Lakers will resume play next Saturday, February 13, at home against Pitt-Johnstown. Tipoff from the Mercyhurst Athletic Center is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.