Box Score Clarion, Pa. - Mercyhurst men's basketball won their second game in as many days Saturday afternoon in their defeat of Bluefield State. Mercyhurst found themselves down in the early going, but managed to surge in the opening minutes of the second half to grab the 64-61 win.
How it Happened
Mercyhurst came out of the gates a little slow as they found themselves down 10-5 in the opening five minutes of the game. The Lakers began to find their rhythm and, thanks to a fast break layup from Christian Gamble, was able to go into the under 12 media timeout down 13-9. Despite some life by the Lakers, Bluefield were able to keep their opponent at arm's length for much of the opening half of play.
Mercyhurst battled to beat their counterpart's press and once into the half court found it tough sledding to get the looks they wanted, resulting in a low field goal percentage in the opening half. The Lakers did find some momentum late, though, going into the halftime break down just five, 29-24.
Mercyhurst came out of the gates as the aggressors and were able to tie things up in the early part of the frame. The Lakers used a strong defensive effort to help catch up their counterpart as Bluefield could not find their footing in the first few minutes with the score being tied at 34-34 with 15:18 to go in the game.
They took the lead a couple of minutes later thanks to a three-point make from Jeff Planutis to make it 37-34 and give Mercyhurst the momentum. The scoring slowed down for Coach Manchel's crew as the half continued, but his team's defense proved to be enough to keep them in the lead as they allowed only seven points in the opening 10 minutes of the second, making it a 45-36 game.
The Lakers took their first double-digit lead of the gam with just under eight minutes to go in the game thanks to another triple from Planutis as they had taken control. Bluefield came back, though, and made it a one-point game with just over a minute to go, 60-59, in favor of the Lakers. Mercyhurst was able to hold onto their slim lead thanks to some timely free throws in the final few seconds as Mercyhurst moves to 2-2 in the 64-61 win.
Next Game
Mercyhurst will play within their friendly confines for the first time this season this upcoming week as they host Daemen on Wednesday, November 15th, at 7:30 p.m. They follow that with a trip to Rochester, N.Y. to see Roberts Wesleyan on Saturday before a trip to D'Youville on the 19th at 2:00 p.m.
