Erie, Pa.—After a dominating performance at the Dave Russell Conference Challenge over the weekend, the Mercyhurst Men's Basketball team will play their first game on the newly-renovated Owen McCormick Court at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center Thursday against Daemen (NY).
The Matchup
The Lakers and Wildcats have met 11 times dating back to 1987, with the Lakers holding a 9-2 record over that span. Daemen came up victorious in their last meeting, 67-65, on Nov. 14, 2019.
First Impression
The Lakers impressed at the Dave Russell Conference Challenge, hosted by Shepherd University, over the weekend. They opened their season against Bowie State, knocking off the Bulldogs 96-46. It was the largest margin of victory to open a Mercyhurst season since 2019, a season in which they would advance to the PSAC Tournament semifinals.
They followed that win with another one the next day against Fayetteville State, 77-60. With the two wins, Mercyhurst defeated the two teams picked to win their respective divisions in the CIAA Preseason Poll. Fayetteville State was also selected to finish first overall in their conference.
A Look at the Rankings
With their impressive weekend, the Lakers are ranked No. 3 in the Atlantic Region by the Division II Sports Information Directors Association. They trail only Indiana (Pa.) and West Liberty in the region. Daemen was ranked No. 6 in the East Region.
Leading the Way
The Lakers have four players who averaged over 10 points over the first two games in Steve Cannady (17.5 points per game), MiyKah McIntosh (12 ppg), Aidan Reichert (11 ppg), and Michael Bradley (10.5 ppg).
Scouting the Wildcats
Daemen opened their season at the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association Tipoff Classic Oct. 29-31, starting with a 67-63 win over Minnesota State-Moorhead. They ate losses the following two days, 76-65 against Colorado Mesa and 69-66 against the hosts, West Texas A&M. They have not played a game since Oct. 31. The Wildcats have three players averaging over 10 points per game, with Andrew Sischo averaging a double-double (14.3 ppg, 12.3 rpg).
