ERIE, Pa. — Nine different Lakers got their name on the score sheet as the Mercyhurst men's basketball team (10-11, 5-3 NEC) narrowly defeated Chicago State University (2-19, 0-8 NEC) 61-59 in a tense matchup at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Lakers secured the victory with a strong second half, scoring 35 points to overcome a two-point halftime deficit. The home team was led by a balanced attack with 10 three-pointers and contributions from ten different Lakers.

Christian Gamble set the tone early with a jumper in the paint for the Lakers. Bernie Blunt III and Jake Lemelman followed Gamble's jumper with back-to-back threes to get ahead of the Cougars. 

However, Chicago State responded with consistent scoring, briefly overtaking the lead. Christian Gamble's contribution included a jumper and a three-pointer, aiding in maintaining the pace. Despite Mercyhurst's efficient shooting from beyond the arc, numerous turnovers hindered their ability to extend the lead significantly.

The Lakers found 18 of their 26 first half points beyond the arc as Sean Lang, Gamble, Blunt III and Lemelman each contributed. The half concluded with a narrow contest, as Chicago State edged ahead with a late three-pointer. At the close of the first half, the Lakers trailed 28–26.

Mercyhurst opened the second half by building on their momentum with Blunt III sinking a 3-pointer at 19:38, assisted by Gamble. The Green and Blue maintained their lead through effective scoring in the paint, highlighted by Mykolas Ivanauskas converting a layup and free throw at 17:36, which extended their lead to 35–30. The Lakers continued to apply pressure, with Lemelman executing a 3-pointer at 16:51, further reinforcing their advantage.

In the latter part of the half, Mercyhurst sustained their offensive push with Gamble and Lemelman contributing key baskets. A pivotal moment occurred at 8:48 when Gamble hit a 3-pointer, pushing the score to 51–47. Despite Chicago State's efforts to close the gap, the Lakers' solid defense and timely scoring allowed them to maintain control. The half concluded with Blunt's late 3-pointer at 1:16, securing a 61–59 lead for Mercyhurst at the end.

Blunt scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, and collected three rebounds. Ivanauskas recorded a team-high 12 rebounds, adding three points and one block. Gamble added 12 points, with two 3-pointers, secured five rebounds, and contributed four assists. Lemelman matched Gamble with 12 points and led with five assists. Qadir Martin contributed to the win with six points, two blocks, four rebounds, and two assists. 

The Lakers now hold a 10-11 overall record and a 5-3 mark in NEC play. Chicago State now stands at 2-19 overall and 0-8 in conference competition.

The Lakers will be back home Thursday as they host New Haven at 7:00 p.m.