SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Mercyhurst fell to Syracuse 76–62 at the JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday night. The Lakers were active defensively with 11 steals, while Syracuse controlled the paint with 46 points while Mercyhurst generated 32 points in the paint. 

Syracuse built an early advantage before the Lakers answered with a Bernie Blunt III three-pointer in the opening minutes to cut into the margin. Jake Lemelman followed shortly after with a three of his own off a Blunt assist to keep Mercyhurst within reach.

Turnovers and foul trouble slowed the Lakers' momentum as the half progressed, allowing Syracuse to extend its lead. Mercyhurst continued to pressure defensively and found success in transition, but Syracuse's rebounding and free-throw shooting helped create separation as the Lakers went into halftime trailing 39–23.

Mercyhurst responded with a strong offensive effort in the second half, taking advantage of Syracuse turnovers. Lemelman opened the scoring for the Lakers in the early minutes and later connected from beyond the arc in the final minutes to spark the rally. Mykolas Ivanauskas was effective inside throughout the half with multiple tip-ins and a key jumper in the closing minute.

Mercyhurst outscored Syracuse 39–37 after the break, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome as Syracuse secured the 76–62 victory.

Lemelman led Mercyhurst with 23 points, including three three-pointers, and added four steals. Blunt finished with 15 points and two three-pointers. Ivanauskas recorded nine points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, while Qadir Martin added nine points, eight rebounds, and two steals.

Next, the Lakers return home for their final non-conference game of the year against Binghamton on December 20 at 2 p.m.