Teaneck, NJ.- Mercyhurst extended their winning streak to four games on Saturday afternoon when they took down FDU 67-60 in New Jersey. The Lakers now sit at 6-4 in conference play and grabbed a key win that moved them up to third in the NEC with just six games remaining.
 
How it Happened:
Mercyhurst and FDU both came into Saturday looking for their fourth straight win, but it was the Knights who came out hot. Terrence Brown, who has had an incredible season to this point, knocked down two shots in the early going as FDU got out to a 7-2 lead, but back-to-back baskets from Graduate Student Jeff Planutis brought the back to within just a point. The Knights continued to push, but the biggest lead they could muster after the baskets was five. Just as quick as they gained the lead, it evaporated after Senior Aidan Reichert hit a three pointer to take the Lakers second lead of the afternoon. Mercyhurst ended the half on a 10-2 run that included five points from Freshman Jake Lemelman to give them a 37-26 lead at the break.
 
The Lakers held the lead from start to finish in the second half as every time FDU would try to chip away, Mercyhurst knocked down a clutch shot. In the opening stages of the second, the Knights had the game back to within four after opening the half on a 9-2 run. Just as hope started to come back for FDU, Planutis hit his signature three pointer to bump the lead right back up to seven. Minutes later Max Jusianiec added another three pointer to give the Lakers a 46-37 edge. The theme of the half started to become three pointers for Mercyhurst. Quick baskets from Brown and Brayden Reynolds helped close the gap to 46-43, but next possession Reichert knocked down a three ball of his own. With just a minute to go in the action, FDU once again made a push, but it was too little too late as they were forced to foul the Lakers to give themselves a chance with 19 seconds left. In the final seconds, Mercyhurst went five for six from the charity stripe as they closed out their fourth straight win.
 
Highlights:
The Lakers won their season-high fourth straight game as they've gotten things rolling in the past couple weeks. Planutis and Reichert have continued to make their historic careers look even better as they've combined for 142 points over the last four games, including 17 and 14 today, respectfully. The Lakers will look to grab their fifth straight victory on Thursday when they travel to Chicago for the first time.
 
Next Game:
Mercyhurst will make their way to Illinois to take on Chicago State for the first time. The action will kick off at 6:00 p.m. and can be caught on the NEC Front Row.
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