Box Score Erie, Pa.- Mercyhurst secured the season series over FDU on Thursday night when they took down the Knights 65-60. Mercyhurst saw contributions from all over as they had four players score 10 or more points. The team also clinched at least a .500 record in their first ever season of NEC play with the victory.


 
How it Happened:
The game between the two looked to be a low scoring affair as through four minutes of play the teams has scored just a total of nine points. The Knights had the edge 5-4 and were able to up the lead to 8-4 after Dylan Jones recorded back-to-back three pointers. FDU jumped out to a six-point lead before Deshaun Jackson Jr. hit a jumper to cut the deficit back to two scores. A Jake Lemelman three pointer brought the Lakers back to within three. Jeff Planutis and Aidan Reichert helped Mercyhurst take their first lead of the game after two quick baskets to put Mercyhurst up 15-13. Just minutes later, Terrence Brown and Jones nailed back-to-back three pointers to make the score 21-19. Over the last four minutes of action, the sides recorded just one field goal as they walked into the half tied at 24.
 
The Knights opened the half on a 9-2 run that made it look as if they were in control. But Jake Lemelman helped the Lakers get back into it with a five point swing that made the score 36-34. In their next possession Planutis tied the game before Lemelman nailed a three pointer to take the lead. FDU reclaimed the lead just a few minutes later as the game continued to swing back and forth. Reichert put Mercyhurst ahead for good with a layup and Bernie Blunt III helped the Lakers clinch the win with four clutch free throws in the waning moments of the game as the Lakers won their 10^th home game of the season 65-60.
 
Highlights:
Mercyhurst clinched at least a .500 record in conference play in their first season in the NEC as they saw solid play from all over. Lemelman dropped a team high 13 points and 10 of those points came within just a few minutes as his impressive freshman campaign nears an end. Planutis once again scored 10 or more points. There have only been three occasions this season where he's scored less than 10 points. The Lakers also earned their 10^th home win of the season, which is the third time they've won 10 or more games at home in the last four years.
 
Next Game:
The Lakers will close their first ever Division I campaign next Thursday as they welcome Chicago State to town. Action will kick off at 7:00 p.m. and can all be caught on the NEC Front Row.