Box Score Morgantown, WV.- Mercyhurst wrapped up their nonconference slate with a 67-46 loss to West Virginia in Morgantown. Mercyhurst closes their nonconference schedule with a 6-9 record in their first season at the Division I level.

How it Happened:
The Lakers had a rocky start on the offensive end as they hit just three of their first ten shots. At the same time, West Virginia looked to take advantage of their edge on the boards. Mercyhurst had just three rebounds in the first eight minutes compared to the Mountaineers nine. West Virginia also scored 10 of their first 18 points in the paint. Senior Aidan Reichert and Graduate Student Jeff Planutis continued their impressive stretches as they combined for 13 points in the first half, including on a three pointer from Planutis that included a pretty dish from Reichert. But Javon Small continued to kill the Lakers on the offensive end. Small had 12 points and four assists in the first half to help WVU go into the break with a 35-22 lead.  
 
The Lakers came out swinging in the second half, however. They kicked the second 20 minutes of action off with an 8-2 run that helped them draw back within eight points. But just as it seemed the Lakers had a pulse, they were held without a field goal for almost ten minutes. In that same time span, two Mountaineer steals and dunks from Toby Okani and Small helped WVU go on a 16-0 run. After the run, WVU didn't look back and from there only allowed a total of 16 points, with most of them coming in the final few minutes.
 
Highlights:
The Lakers matchup in Morgantown was their first ever regular season game against a Big 12 opponent. Planutis and Reichert combined for 25 points, with Reichert scoring 14 of them. Planutis knocked down three three pointers. The Lakers had 11 players play as they played in one of their toughest environments yet.
 
Next Game:
The next time Mercyhurst takes the court it'll be against a conference foe as they begin NEC action. Mercyhurst will welcome Stonehill to Erie to kick off their first ever NEC slate. The action kicks off on January 3^rd at 7:00 p.m. It can all be caught on the NEC Front Row.