Shepherdstown, WV—The Mercyhurst Men's Basketball team opened their 2021-22 season with a dominate win over Bowie State, the Lakers won 96-46.

How It Happened

The Lakers came out of the gates flying as the Lakers scored the first nine points of the ball game thanks to an opening three from Steve Cannady, four points from MiyKah McIntosh and a layup from Nicholas Lang.

After the first half the Lakers were up 48-17, Mercyhurst had four players with more then five points with Cannady leading the way with 15 points while McIntosh had nine, Michael Bradley, eight, and Cameron Gross with seven. The Lakers shot 57.1 % from the field along with hitting 33% of their three attempts.

The second half was no different for the Lakers as they scored another 48 points while Bowie netted 39. In the second McIntosh and Pipeloluwa Ajayi each had a team high eight points. Mercyhurst also continued hitting their shots as they went 56% from the field and 44.4% from behind the three point arc.

Cannady and McIntosh both had a game high 17 points while 14 different Lakers scored for Mercyhurst.

On the defensive side Mercyhurst had 13 steals while Jeff Planutis, Nicholas Lang, and Bradley each had a block. The Lakers outrebounded the Bulldogs 34-30 in the contest.

By the Numbers

Mercyhurst scored 33 of their 96 points off turnovers while they allowed just 13 off their 14 turnovers. The Lakers also bullied the Bulldogs in the paint as they outscored their opponents 26-14 near the rim. This is the Lakers largest victory to open a season since they defeated D'Youville 115-60 to open their 2019-20 campaign in which they made it to the PSAC Semi-Finals.

Up Next

The Lakers continue play in the Dave Russell Conference Challenge tomorrow as they face Fayetteville State who beat the host Shepherd 57-56 in overtime on Friday.