MERCYHURST (4–6, 0–0 NEC) at DAVIDSON (7–2, 0–0 A-10)
Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 p.m. EST
John M. Belk Arena – Davidson, N.C.
TV: ESPN+

The Matchup
The Mercyhurst Lakers travel to Davidson on Saturday afternoon for their first-ever meeting with the Wildcats. The matchup gives the Lakers another high-level road test as they continue a challenging non-conference slate ahead of NEC play in January.

Davidson, playing its fourth season under head coach Matt McKillop, will rely on its shooting efficiency and ball movement, featuring one of the A-10's most balanced offenses.

Mercyhurst looks to build on its strong showing at home against Bethany and continue developing its defensive consistency under head coach Gary Manchel.

The Lakers enter at 4–6 overall and 1–6 on the road, while the Wildcats have been strong in their building, opening the season 5–1 at Belk Arena.

Laker Looks
The Lakers come off one of their most complete outings of the season — an 80–51 win over Bethany (WV) — and bring improved offensive rhythm into Saturday's contest.

Graduate guard Bernie Blunt III leads Mercyhurst at 16.8 points per game, shooting 47.5% from the field and serving as the primary scoring engine in the backcourt.

Sophomore guard Jake Lemelman continues his strong step forward with 12.7 points, 2.9 assists, and 40% shooting from deep.

Up front, the Lakers continue to find production and balance:

• Mykolas Ivanauskas contributes 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds,
• Qadir Martin anchors the interior with 7.7 points and 5.9 rebounds,
• Mercyhurst totals 15.5 assists per game, signaling improved ball movement.

Defensively, the Lakers hold opponents to 40.8% shooting and 33.8% from three, while averaging 7.7 steals and 3.9 blocks per outing. Discipline on the perimeter will be a key factor against Davidson's shooting core.

Watch Out for the Wildcats
The Wildcats enter at 7–2 and carry one of the A-10's most efficient offensive profiles.

Davidson is averaging 76.0 points per game, shooting 48% from the field and nearly 39% from three — a combination that has powered them in both half-court sets and transition spacing.

Defensively, the Wildcats are allowing 69.3 points per game, keeping opponents to 31.6% from deep while maintaining a +2.1 rebound margin. Their ability to close out shooters and limit second-chance looks has been a defining element of their strong start.

At home, Davidson is 5–1, controlling games with tempo, spacing, and defensive engagement inside Belk Arena.