California, Pa.—The No. 17/21 Mercyhurst Men's Basketball team led in the final minutes of Wednesday night's game at California (Pa.), but the Vulcans ultimately took a late lead and held on to win 79-76.
How it Happened
Nicholas Lang made a pair of three-pointers in the first five minutes to score the first six Mercyhurst points, giving the Lakers a one-point lead with each one. Steve Cannady followed Lang's second with a layup for an 8-5 lead, but Keith Palek III made a three of his own to tie the game for Cal.
Cal's Philip Alston then got involved, slamming down a dunk and a jumper in the paint, plus an and-one, to give the Vulcans a five-point lead at 14:26 in the first half. The Lakers would again take the lead at 11:11, and it looked like they were finally taking control as they staked themselves to an eight-point lead twice.
Instead, Cal managed to close the gap and take the half's final lead. After the Vulcans reached their own eight-point lead, Mercyhurst was able to trim it to four by halftime.
The Lakers wasted no time cutting into Cal's lead, and eventually took the lead on a three-pointer from Cannady at 13:47. Alston slammed down another pair of dunks to regain the lead before Cannady replied with another triple at 11:52.
After Alston hit a jumper to take back the one-point lead, MiyKah McIntosh drove into the paint for two at 10:31 and the Lakers began growing their lead again. Points from Pipeloluwa Ajayi, Cameron Gross and McIntosh saw the lead grow to six before Cal could score again.
The Lakers managed to fend the Vulcans off for the next nine minutes until Brent Pegram tied the game and gave Cal the lead with a pair of free-throws at 1:28. He would add three more to the lead – all thanks to free-throws – over the next minute-plus.
After an untimely Cal foul with two seconds left, Jeff Planutis stepped to the line for three and made two to cut the lead down to two, but time was not on their side as Palek was fouled and made another free shot to bring the final score to 79-76.
By the Numbers
Cannady paced the Lakers offense with a career-high 29 points in the effort. McIntosh followed with 15 points as well as six assists, and Ajayi finished with 12.
Coach's Corner
Up Next
The Lakers will close out the regular season Saturday as they celebrate Senior Day at home on Owen McCormick Court against Slippery Rock. The Lakers can lock up the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the PSAC Tournament with a win.
