Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst men's basketball begins the 2023-24 season in the sunshine state as the team travels to Lakeland, Fl. for the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. The Lakers see Central Oklahoma to being the campaign on Saturday, November 4th, followed by Colorado School of Mines the on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
A Look Back
Mercyhurst comes off a season in which they finished 25-6, going 18-4 in PSAC play for the second-straight season the Lakers had won 25 or more games and look to do so for a third time for the first time under Head Coach Gary Manchel. The team played their way deep into the post season as they competed in the PSAC Tournament Championship while making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, hoping for similar success this time around.
Familiar Faces
The Lakers return seven players from last season's roster with Jeff Planutis and Aidan Reichert brining back the most experience. Planutis comes off a season in which he was named to the PSAC West First Team after averaging 14.7 points per game on a 46.6/42.9/86.6 shooting split. Reichert primarily came off of the bench, scoring 9.3 points per game while being third on the team in rebounds per game, hoping to take another stop forward.
Scouting Central Oklahoma
The Bronchos come off a very solid season, going 26-6 in 2022-23 while finishing with an 18-4 record in the MIAA, falling short in their conference tournament finale and being beaten in the opening round of the national tournament. Central Oklahoma brings several new faces to their team this season, but with one key returner in Jaden Wells. Wells was the team's leading scorer, averaging 16.5 on a 42.6% clip from deep in his sophomore season, making him someone the Lakers have to focus on.
Scouting the Colorado School of Mines
The Orediggers were very successful in 2022-23 with the team finishing with a 26-6 record, going 18-4 in the RMAC on their way to a loss in the conference championship along with a first round exit in the national tournament. Colorado School of Mines will look to rebuild their offense this season as their top three scorers are all gone with Sam Beskind as the top returner, averaging 9.3 points per game in 2022-23.
Next Game
Mercyhurst comes closer to home for their next set of games as they travel to Clarion, Pa. On Friday, November 10th to see Frostburg State before returning to Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium on Saturday for a contest with Bluefield State with top-off set for 4:00 p.m.
