Erie, PA- The Mercyhurst Lakers men's basketball team gears up for two games this week as part of their inaugural Division I season. First, the Lakers host Mount Aloysius College on Tuesday, November 19, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Then, they hit the road to face Air Force on Sunday, November 24, at the USAF Academy in Colorado.
Game Details:

• Game 1:
  • Opponent: Mount Aloysius College
  • Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Location: Owen McCormick Court at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, Erie, PA
• Game 2:
  • Opponent: Air Force Academy
  • Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
  • Time: 4:00 PM
  • Location: Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, CO

 
Lakers' Season Overview:
Mercyhurst enters the week with a 3-2 record. Following strong victories against Morgan State, Houghton, and Canisius, the Lakers faced a tough loss on the road to Columbia, 63-77. They look to rebound at home on Tuesday before taking on a formidable Air Force team on the road.
Key contributors include:

• Jeff Planutis: Leading the team with 14.8 points per game (PPG) while shooting 47.4% from beyond the arc.
• Aidan Reichert: Averaging 11.6 PPG and 4.4 rebounds per game (RPG) with a stellar 51.2% shooting from the field.
• Mykolas Ivanauskas: Contributing 8.0 PPG and leading the team with 4.8 RPG.

 
Scouting Mount Aloysius:
Mount Aloysius, an NCAA Division III team, provides the Lakers an opportunity to refine their strategies and dominate in their home arena. The Lakers' athleticism and depth will be key, but they'll need to focus on rebounding and minimizing turnovers to avoid giving Mount Aloysius any momentum.
 
Scouting Air Force:
The Air Force Falcons, members of the Mountain West Conference, present a more challenging opponent on Sunday. Air Force emphasizes disciplined, methodical basketball with a focus on defensive intensity and ball control.

• Key Players:
  • Jake Heidbreder – The Falcons' leading scorer, known for his three-point shooting and ability to space the floor.
  • Ethan Taylor – A versatile guard who excels in facilitating the offense and creating defensive pressure.

Air Force is particularly effective at protecting home court, leveraging high-altitude conditions and their efficient playing style to wear down opponents. Mercyhurst will need to maintain composure in a high-pressure environment while executing their offensive sets with precision.
 
Keys to Success:

1. Rebounding: The Lakers average 27.8 RPG but face a deficit compared to opponents (34.0 RPG). Improving their presence on the glass will be crucial in both matchups.
2. Defensive Consistency: Mercyhurst forces 16.6 turnovers per game, and continuing this trend will help disrupt Air Force's disciplined offense and limit Mount Aloysius' opportunities.
3. Bench Contributions: Depth has been a strength for the Lakers, with multiple players making efficient contributions off the bench. Sustaining this production will help carry them through a busy week.

 
Fan Information:
Tickets for Tuesday's game against Mount Aloysius are available on the Mercyhurst Athletics website. Live streaming and updates will also be provided for both games, ensuring fans can follow the action from Erie to Colorado.