MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mercyhurst University fell to West Virginia University 70-38 at Hope Coliseum on Thursday night. Bernie Blunt III led the lakers with 14 points shooting 50% from the field.

Mercyhurst started the game trying to find their rhythm, falling behind early as West Virginia opened with a strong offensive display. Blunt III provided a spark for the Lakers with multiple successful three-pointers, including one seven minutes into play, as they attempted to close the gap.

Despite Blunt's efforts and a series of defensive rebounds, the Lakers trailed West Virginia 39–22 at the end of the first half.

Mercyhurst's second half was marked by a key scoring burst when Deshaun Jackson Jr. converted a fast break layup six minutes in, followed shortly by a layup from Qadir Martin, bringing the score to 52–28. Cameron Johnson added a tip-in and free throw at 4:44, narrowing the gap to 63–33 with four minutes to go.

Kaden Fuhrmann connected on a three-pointer with a minute remaining, assisted by Brady Conner, which brought the Lakers' total to 38 points for the half. West Virginia outpaced Mercyhurst with a 31-16 scoring advantage in the half. The game concluded with West Virginia leading 70–38.

Notable performances; Martin contributed six rebounds and added two blocks, bolstering the team's defensive efforts. Johnson posted five points and secured five rebounds, while also recording a steal and an assist.

Up next, the Lakers open the December slate at Easton, Pa. as they take on Lafayette at 7 p.m. on December 5.