MERCYHURST (3–2, 0–0 NEC) at MIAMI (OH) (3–0, 0–0 MAC)
Thursday, November 20 – 7:00 p.m.
Millett Hall – Oxford, Ohio
TV: ESPN+
The Matchup
The Mercyhurst men's basketball team continues its early-season nonconference slate with a road test at Miami (OH) on Thursday night. The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the programs and pits a Lakers squad gaining momentum against a high-powered Redhawks group off to an unbeaten 3–0 start. Miami enters Thursday leading the MAC in scoring, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage through its opening stretch, including a staggering 129–49 victory over Trinity Christian, the second-highest scoring output in program history. For Mercyhurst, the contest continues a challenging November road slate but follows a strong offensive showing in their last outing—an 86–72 win over Morgan State where the Lakers shot 52.6% from the floor.
Road Tested Early
Mercyhurst moves to 3–2 on the year behind a balanced scoring effort and improved efficiency as the roster settles into its rotation. Graduate guard Bernie Blunt III continues to pace the Lakers, averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.3% from deep.
Sophomore guard Jake Lemelman has emerged as a key piece in year two, posting 12.2 points per game on 49% shooting, while forward Mykolas Ivanauskas anchors the interior with 9.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per night on an efficient 61.1% from the field.
Trending Up Offensively
Through five games, the Lakers are averaging 71.0 points per game while shooting 46.3% as a team, including 30.4% from three. They are assisting on more than 18 baskets per game and turning teams over at a rate of 7.4 steals per contest.
Defensive Identity Holding Strong
Gary Manchel's squad continues to embrace its defensive blueprint, allowing 61.6 points per game, holding opponents to 37.5% shooting, and limiting teams to 26.2% from beyond the arc.
Redhawks on the Rise
Miami returns a battle-tested group from a 25–9 campaign last season that included a trip to the MAC Championship Game, falling by just two points to No. 1 seed Akron. They enter the matchup ranked No. 5 in the Mid-Major Top 25 Poll.
Balanced Offense
The Redhawks lead the MAC early in:
Their blend of spacing, guard play, and physicality has powered a fast start.
Players to Watch
Key Stats Comparison
|
Category
|
Mercyhurst
|
Miami (OH)
|
|
Points Per Game
|
71.0
|
97.3
|
|
Opp. Points Per Game
|
61.6
|
60.7
|
|
FG%
|
46.3%
|
55.1%
|
|
3FG%
|
30.4%
|
48.2%
|
|
Rebound Margin
|
+3.4
|
+4.0
|
|
Assists Per Game
|
18.4
|
17.0
|
