WHEELING, W. Va. – The Mercyhurst University men's basketball team's historic season came to an end Sunday night in the NCAA Tournament Second Round to the hands of Kutztown, 79-73. The Lakers (22-9) effort was just not enough, as the Golden Bears advance to the Atlantic Region Championship game Tuesday night against West Liberty.
It was another back-and-forth, tough fought game Sunday night. A game the Lakers were familiar with, as the last two games were decided by four points. However, the Golden Bears high powered offense prevailed over the country's top defense.
Mercyhurst trailed by as many as nine in the first half, before taking a five point deficit into the break, 36-31.
Jean Onana led the charge in the first half, scoring the four points of the game and ended the opening half with seven total. The Lakers finished the half shooting 50 percent (11-of-22) from the field and held Kutztown to just 35.7 percent (10-of-28) shooting.
Damon Jones had another solid second half performance, helping keep the game close. Jones rattled home a three to begin the final 20 minutes, pulling the Lakers to within two, 36-34. The Warrensville, Ohio native would give Mercyhurst a one point lead, 42-41, with 15:07 to play. Jones would finish the half with 17 points.
Every time the Lakers seemed to edge close and take control, Kutztown would answer. With 3:32 to play, Onana made a three to pull within two, 64-62, but the Golden Bears responded with the next four points, to move back ahead by six, 68-62. Onana would do it again with 13 seconds remaining, giving the Lakers a chance, as they would trail by two, 74-72.
The Onana three put the Lakers in a situation where they had to foul. Kutztown went on to make 5-of-6 free throws down the stretch, to hold on for their 23rd win of the season.
Mercyhurst never held a lead after the Jones jumper back at the 15 minute mark.
Jones finished with a game-high 21 points, while
Kayode Ajenifuja added 15 and Onana 13.
The Lakers finished 24-of-48 (50%) from the field for the game, while Kutztown shot 40.7 percent (22-of-54).
Kutztown attempted 35 free throws, the most against the Lakers all season. The Golden Bears finished 29-of-35 from the line, while Mercyhurst was 21-of-29.
