Box Score Erie, Pa.- Mercyhurst finally returned to Erie where they fell in a heartbreaker 77-73 to Lafayette College. It had been nearly a week since the Lakers last took the court as they got back from their west coast trip earlier this week. Mercyhurst is now 1-4 in their last five.
How it Happened:
Thanks to Senior Aidan Reichert, the Lakers jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after he nailed two three-point jumpers. Reichert accounted for eight of the Lakers first 11 points. Five minutes in, Mercyhurst held a 16-3 lead, but Lafayette continued to chip away at their lead. With just five minutes to go in the half, Jeff Planutis knocked down a three point jumper of his own to put Mercyhurst up 17, but a 7-0 Lafayette run helped the Leopards close the gap to just seven points at half.
Another 7-0 run to open the second half knotted the game up as Mercyhurst couldn't seem to stop the Leopards offense. Shemar Rathan-Mayes helped the Lakers take back a six point lead, however. In just under a minute, Rathan-Mayes knocked down three free throws and sank a three-point jumper. But every time the Lakers tried to widen their lead, Lafayette closed the gap. Just minutes later, the Leopards were back within one point after a Luka Savicevic three pointer. At the ten minute mark, the Lakers and Leopards started trading shots back and forth. A total of five lead changes happened before the Leopards grabbed a lead that they wouldn't surrender. In the final eight minutes, Mercyhurst was only able to knock down five field goals, with two being three pointers from Reichert and Rathan-Mayes. Because of the Lakers woes offensively, the Leopards were able to escape with a 77-73 win.
Highlights:
Rathan-Mayes led the Lakers on the offensive end with 21 points. He also grabbed five rebounds and had four assists. Reichert scored 18 and snagged six rebounds. Planutis also had his 10th double-digit point performance of the season.
Next Game:
Mercyhurst returns to action this Tuesday when they welcome Penn State Altoona. The action starts at 7:00 p.m. and can be caught on the NEC Front Row.
