MERCYHURST (4–7, 0–0 NEC) at SYRACUSE (6–4, 0–0 ACC)
Wednesday, December 17 – 7:00 p.m. EST
JMA Wireless Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
TV: ESPN+
The Matchup
The Mercyhurst Lakers travel to Syracuse on Wednesday night for the first meeting in program history between the Lakers and the Orange. The contest continues a challenging non-conference schedule for Mercyhurst as the team prepares for conference play starting in January.
Syracuse enters its third season under head coach Adrian Autry and has relied on balanced scoring and physical play on both ends of the floor.
The Orange have been strong at home inside the JMA Wireless Dome, using their size and athleticism to control the glass and dictate tempo. Mercyhurst looks to respond following its most recent outing and continue building consistency as it faces another high-level road test. The Lakers enter Wednesday at 4–7 overall, while Syracuse stands at 6–4 on the season.
Laker Looks
Mercyhurst continues to be led offensively by graduate guard
Bernie Blunt III, who is averaging 16.6 points per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range.
Sophomore guard
Jake Lemelman has taken a step forward in his second season, contributing 12.2 points and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc and helping facilitate the Lakers' offense.
In the frontcourt, the Lakers continue to find production and balance:
As a team, Mercyhurst averages 15.0 assists per game and forces 13.6 turnovers per contest, while also posting 4.0 blocks and 7.3 steals per game on the defensive end.
Orange Outlook
Syracuse enters Wednesday's matchup with a 6–4 overall record and has been effective on both ends of the floor under Adrian Autry.
The Orange average 72.6 points per game, shooting 45.9% from the field, and play with balance across the lineup.
Defensively, Syracuse allows 65.0 points per game, holding opponents to 39.0% shooting and 32.5% from three-point range.
At home inside the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse has controlled the glass and limited second-chance opportunities, dropping just one home match this season.
