MERCYHURST (3–5, 0–0 NEC) at LAFAYETTE (2–7, 0–0 Patriot)
Friday, December 5 – 7:00 p.m. EST
Kirby Sports Center – Easton, Pa.
TV: ESPN+

The Matchup
The Mercyhurst Lakers visit the Lafayette Leopards on Friday night, as the Lakers look to halt a three-game losing streak and gain traction before conference play begins in less than a month. The two teams last met in December 2024, with Lafayette edging Mercyhurst 77-73.

Lafayette, at home, will try to lean on its perimeter shooting and offensive rebound ability. Meanwhile, Mercyhurst — under Gary Manchel — aims to ride its backcourt and defensive discipline.

Laker Looks
The Lakers enter at 3–5 overall, 1–5 on the road.

Offensively, grad-year guard Bernie Blunt III remains the go-to, averaging 16.0 points per game.

Guard Jake Lemelman has been a steady secondary scoring option, averaging around 13.0 points per contest.

On defense, Mercyhurst has the upper hand: Lafayette averages roughly seven made three-pointers per game, while Mercyhurst is giving up about 5.6, limiting open looks could be key.

Look out for Lafayette
The Leopards are 2–3 at home this season, and they've shown flashes of being dangerous when their shooters are hot.

Perimeter threats — especially Caleb Williams — who is averaging 16.2 points per game and helps fuel Lafayette's three-point volume.

Last Time Out
Mercyhurst came away from West Virginia on November 30 with a tough 70–38 loss but showed flashes of resilience and defensive effort. The Lakers forced seven turnovers in the first half and held West Virginia to 33% shooting over several stretches.

Grad. guard Bernie Blunt III led the team with 14 points, displaying his scoring leadership even against a talented Power 5 opponent.

Sophomore Jake Lemelman and the frontcourt of Qadir Martin and Cameron Johnson contributed with energy on both ends, including key rebounds and defensive plays that helped keep the Mountaineers from pulling further ahead.