The 5-0 Mercyhurst Men's Basketball team kicks off PSAC crossover play this weekend as they travel with the women's team for doubleheaders Friday at Shippensburg and Saturday at Lock Haven. Both games are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., but could start later depending on the games before them.
The Matchups
The Lakers and Raiders are nearly even all-time against each other. Shippensburg has a narrow 6-5 advantage in the series, which dates back to 1991. The two last met March 7, 2020, when Shippensburg eliminated Mercyhurst from the PSAC Tournament in the semifinals with a 59-51 win.
Lock Haven was Mercyhurst's first men's basketball opponent back in 1971. The two teams met often before landing in different PSAC divisions, and Mercyhurst holds a 17-5 record all-time against the Bald Eagles. Mercyhurst won their last matchup, 80-62, on Dec. 2, 2018.
Where They Rank
With a 5-0 start to their season, the Lakers appeared at No. 3 in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches national poll, moving up a spot since last week. They are also ranked No. 9 in the Division II Sports Information Directors of America national media poll. The Lakers have been climbing the D2SIDA rankings after appearing at No. 21 in the national preseason poll. The Lakers have been ranked No. 3 in the Atlantic Region every week since the preseason.
Scouting the Raiders
Shippensburg is off to a 2-2 start after splitting their games against CIAA opponents Virginia Union (W, 71-65) and Virginia State (L, 85-75) at a conference challenge hosted by Virginia State, defeating Wilmington and dropping a non-conference matchup with California (Pa.). Offensively, the Raiders are led by Carlos Carter (17.8 points per game), Rashon Johnson (14.5 ppg) and Luke Nedrow (13.8 ppg).
Scouting the Bald Eagles
Like the Lakers, Lock Haven enters the weekend without a loss. However, the Bald Eagles have played only three games: home wins against Nyack and Chestnut Hill and a win on the road at Holy Family. The Bald Eagles will host Edinboro Friday before playing the Lakers Saturday. MarkAnthony Fidelis has averaged 35.3 minutes for the Bald Eagles, averaging an impressive 24.3 points per game. His hands have been on fire, making 57.4 percent of shots from the floor and 50 percent from three.
