Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst men's basketball readies for their final two games before the holiday break with West Chester and Millersville both on the docket. The Golden Rams come to Erie on Monday, December 18th, before Millersville follows the next day for a tip-off at 3:00 p.m.

Laker Leaders

 Jeff Planutis currently leads the team in points, averaging 17.2 per game while shooting 41.3% from the field, 35.1% from deep, and 85.0% from the free throw line. Aidan Reichert has been the best on the boards so far grabbing 5.6 rebounds per game. Planutis has been more than just the team's leading scorer with him also leading the way in assists (2.9) and steals (13.) per game as well while his five blocks to this point in the season also come in first.

Defensive Dominance

In their last game, the Lakers put on a clinic on defense in a way that has never been done before. The team allowed just 24 points total against Fredonia in the 83-24 win for the fewest points ever allowed in a game, surpassing the previous mark of 31 given up against D'Youville during the 2020-21 season. The Lakers caused 31 turnovers for the most since the 2020-21 season, recorded 21 steals for their most since 2021-22 and allowed just eight made field goals for the fewest in program history. Freshman Alexander Parks proved to play a big part in the defensive effort with six steals in the game for the most by a Laker since 2017-18, making for a game no one will soon forget.

Scouting West Chester

The Golden Rams are 5-3 to this point in the season, going 2-0 to start conference play, while bringing a four-game winning streak into their matchup with Mercyhurst after defeating Goldey-Beacom in their last game, 89-73. Defense along the perimeter has been key for West Chester to this point, allowing a three-point percentage of 31.2% from beyond the arc for the fifth-lowest figure in the conference, making the Laker's success from close range imperative. The team has four players averaging over 10 points per game with Elijah Allen leading the way with 18.4 for the seventh-most in the PSAC, shooting 40.5% from the floor and 24.4% from deep. Jordan Keller has been a big factor for the team as well, averaging 10.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, showing to be a force in several areas.

Scouting the Marauders

Millersville holds a 6-2 record currently, winning each of their last two games. The team holds a 1-1 record in PSAC play after falling to Cal (Pa.) by two in an overtime effort before securing a 69-66 win over Slippery Rock. The team has four players averaging double-digit points with Jaden Faulkner's 19.4 leading the way and coming in sixth in the PSAC. The Marauders may look to win the game by out rebounding as they have six players average four or more rebounds compared to the Laker's three, making the battle on the boards imperative. 

Next Game

Mercyhurst plays one more game in 2023 with the team set to go to Shepherd on December 30th in a 3:30 p.m. start before opening 2024 with Bloomsburg at home on January 3rd at 3:00 p.m.