Box Score

Edinboro, Pa. - Mercyhurst men's basketball found themselves in the middle of another tight, hard-fought contest Wednesday night with Erie County foe, Edinboro. The Lakers got down early before storming back in the final few minutes, but it was not quite enough sun the 66-62 final.

How it Happened

The Fighitng Scots started off hot, jumping out to an 11-4 lead in the first three and a half minutes of action. It was their work from in close that helped Edinboro move out in front as each of their first five makes were layups, helping them establish an inside presence in the early going. The Lakers did not stay down for long, though, going on a 6-0 run to help make it a one point game. Much like their counterpart, Mercyhurst looked inside for their offense as Luke Triggs scored all six of the team's points to make it 11-10 with 13:26 to go in the half.

After the Lakers were able to make it a one-point game, the game stayed close for several minutes with neither team creating enough separation to go on a serious run and take control. It was not until the final six minutes of the canto that there started be a real run with Edinboro finishing the first half out the way they wanted to. The Fighting Scots went on a 12-6 to end the first 20 minutes with guard Jack Gallagher being a big catalyst in the stretch for Edinboro with him converting on a pair of and-one opportunities to help give his team momentum while East Fulmer hit a pair of threes to make it 37-31 at the break.

Edinboro began the second half similar to the way they ended the first, growing out their lead a little further. The Fighting Scots looked to go inside continually and it paid off with made layups and a handful of free throws, seeing their lead get up to as many as 12 as they held a 45-33 lead with 16:25 to go in the game. 

Mercyhurst fought back and got the deficit all the way down to five, 45-40 at the 13:37 minute mark. The Lakers found their rhythm on offense for a spell, doing a lot of their work from in close. Their run could not bring them all the way back, though, as Edinboro responded and managed to get their lead back up to a dozen with 5:33 to go in the game. It seemed like every time Mercyhurst was poised to make a run, the Fighting Scots came back with a response, keeping their counterpart at arm's length. 

The Lakers made a push with just under four minutes to go as they scored seven consecutive points with five of those coming courtesy of Jeff Planutis thanks to a made three and a fast break dunk to make it 60-55 with 3:41 to go in the game. They ended up tying the game thanks to a made three from freshman Alexander Parks, 60-60 before Edinboro managed to stave off the comeback. It was the Fighitng Scot's Gallagher leading the charge, scoring each of their last six points to help them secure the four-point win.

Highlights

Jeff Planutis led the way for the Lakers with 19 points, shooting 6-15 from the floor while nailing two of his five triples and going 5-5 from the free throw line. He was big on the boards as well with eight in the contest for the team lead. He was followed by Luke Triggs who had seven to go along with his 12 points on a 6-10 shooting night.

Next Game

Mercyhurst returns to their friendly confines for their next game as they are set to host Seton Hill this upcoming Saturday, February 17th, in a 3:00 p.m. showdown.