Johnstown, Pa. - Mercyhurst Men's Basketball lost the first of their three games on the week against the Mountain Cats Monday night. The team fell behind in the second half as they were outscored by UPJ 41-34 over the final 20 minutes in the 73-61 loss.

How it Happened

First Half

Mercyhurst's offense started slow as they couldn't seem to put the ball in the hoop. UPJ used that to jump out to the lead. The Lakers did manage to crack double-digit scoring as Sean Fullerton knocked down a jumper from the elbow to make it 15-10 with just over eight minutes in the opening half.

The Lakers continued to work the deficit down throughout the remainder of the half. Mercyhurst managed to score the final points of the opening stanza, cutting the UPJ lead to five, as Pipeloluwa Ajayi got the putback layup.

Second Half

Coach Manchel's crew got off to a hot start in the second half as they scored the first five points. A three-point make from Michael Bradley off the feed from MiyKah McIntosh allowed the Lakers to tie things up at 32-32.

The Mountain Cats went on an 11-2 run over a four-minute stretch as the game began to wind down and it gave them the momentum they needed to win the game. The Lakers did all they could to try and fight back, but a few missed shots late by Mercyhurst led to the 73-61 defeat.

Highlights

Jeff Planutis led the team in scoring for the ninth time this season with 12 points on 5-10 shooting and six rebounds. He was helped by MiyKah McIntosh who had 10 to go along with four rebounds and four assists

Playoff Picture

This loss puts Mercyhurst's record at 13-3 overall and 9-3 in the conference. They are now tied with the Mountain Cats for second place in the PSAC West with IUP still at the top as they have yet to lose a game at 12-0 in the PSAC and 18-0 overall. The first round of the PSAC Tournament is set for Monday, February 27th.

Next Game

The Lakers stay on the road as they head for Clarion next. Mercyhurst hopes to get back to their winning ways and clip the Golden Eagles on Wednesday, January 25th, in a 7:30 p.m. tip.