Erie, PA- The Mercyhurst Lakers men's basketball team returns to Erie for a two-game home stand, aiming to improve their 5-5 record. The Lakers will face Lafayette College on Saturday, December 7, followed by a matchup against Penn State Altoona on Tuesday, December 10.
 
Game Details:
    •         Opponent: Lafayette College Leopards
    •         Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
    •         Time: 2:00 PM
    •         Location: Owen McCormick Court at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, Erie, PA
    •         Opponent: Penn State Altoona Lions
    •         Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
    •         Time: 7:00 PM
    •         Location: Owen McCormick Court at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, Erie, PA
 
Season Overview:
 
The Lakers are coming off a challenging West Coast road trip, where they secured a victory against Sacramento State but suffered losses to the University of California and the University of San Francisco. Returning to their home court, where they hold a perfect 3-0 record, Mercyhurst looks to capitalize on familiar surroundings to regain momentum.
 
Team Statistics:
    •         Points Per Game: 67.6
    •         Field Goal Percentage: 43.2%
    •         Three-Point Percentage: 31.3%
    •         Free Throw Percentage: 76.3%
    •         Rebounds Per Game: 27.8
    •         Turnovers Per Game: 10.8
 
Key Players:
    •         Jeff Planutis (Forward): Leading the team with 14.7 points per game, shooting 43.8% from the field and an impressive 93.5% from the free-throw line.
    •         Aidan Reichert (Forward): Contributing 11.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.6%.
    •         Bernie Blunt III (Guard): Adding 11.0 points per game and leading the team in assists with 21.
 
Scouting the Opponents:
 
Lafayette College Leopards:
    •         Conference: Patriot League
    •         2023-24 Record: 10-22 overall, 7-11 in conference play
    •         Key Players:
          •   Justin Vander Baan (Center): A versatile player averaging 10.2 points per game and 4.8 rebounds.
    •         Team Overview: Under head coach Mike McGarvey, the Leopards emphasize a balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense. They aim to improve upon last season's performance and have shown resilience in close games.
 
Penn State Altoona Lions:
    •         Conference: Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC)
    •         2023-24 Record: 12-14 overall, 8-8 in conference play
    •         Key Players:
          •   Dwayne Jones (Forward): A dynamic scorer with the ability to drive to the basket and shoot from the perimeter.
    •         Team Overview: The Lions, led by head coach David McGreal, focus on an up-tempo style of play, utilizing their athleticism to create scoring opportunities. They are looking to make a strong statement against a Division I opponent.
 
Keys to the Game:
    •         Rebounding: Mercyhurst has struggled on the boards, averaging 27.8 rebounds per game compared to opponents' 33.9. Improving rebounding efforts will be crucial to limit second-chance points.
    •         Defensive Pressure: The Lakers force 15.8 turnovers per game. Maintaining defensive intensity will be key to disrupting the offensive flow of both opponents.
    •         Shooting Efficiency: Enhancing shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc (31.3%), will be vital in capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
 
Fan Information:
 
Tickets for both games are available through the Mercyhurst Athletics website. Fans are encouraged to attend and support the Lakers as they aim to extend their home winning streak. Live streaming and updates will also be provided for those unable to attend in person.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Mercyhurst Athletics.