Box Score Erie, Pa.- Mercyhurst grabbed a key win against Wagner on Friday night as they finally returned home for just their third home game in nearly two months. The Lakers thwarted the Seahawks late comeback attempt in their 71-66 victory as they swept the season series over the reigning NEC tournament champions.


 
How it Happened:
This season has featured some stellar play from the Lakers upperclassman, and on Friday night this was no different. Senior Aidan Reichert helped continue that dominance as he accounted for the Lakers first three buckets and 10 of their first 12 points. Reichert scored 15 total points in the first half and didn't miss a shot until there was just one second left in the half. Despite the hot start from Reichert, the Seahawks were able to fight back and grab their first lead of day when Zavier Fitch was able to put down a dunk. For the next six minutes, it looked as if Wagner was in control, but over the final five minutes of the half they were able to hit just one field goal. The Lakers took advantage of that and went on a 16-5 run that included six points from Graduate Student Jeff Planutis, five points from Freshman Jake Lemelman and five points from Reichert.
 
The second half continued to be an uphill battle for the Seahawks. But they continued to fight back and cut the lead back down to two points with 12 minutes to go. Converting from the field continued to be a problem for them though. Because of that, the Lakers were able to extend the lead back 48-40. Wagner wouldn't lay down, however. The ensuing 10 minutes saw the Lakers make just four baskets and gave the Seahawks a chance to steal the game. But three pointers from Lemelman and Bernie Blunt III sealed the game for Mercyhurst as over the final minute the Lakers would finish the game off by going 7-8 from the free throw line. The clutch shooting helped to deliver the Lakers third NEC win as they swept the season series over the Seahawks.


 
Highlights:
Reichert and Planutis continue to impress against Division I opponents. Reichert scored 23 points as he missed just three shots all night. Reichert is coming off of another NEC Prime Performer nod and is looking to get some more accolades. Planutis added 15 points and he's scored 10 or more points in all but three games so far this season. The Lakers also shot exactly 50% from the field in the win.
 
Next Game:
The Lakers will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome LIU to town. Mercyhurst will be looking to get to .500 in conference play as they play game two of their three game homestand. The action starts at 1:00 p.m. and can all be caught on the NEC Front Row.