ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst men's basketball team (11-11, 6-3 NEC) defeated New Haven (9-12, 4-4 NEC) 70-51 at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Thursday night. The home team established a commanding 41-25 lead by halftime and maintained their advantage through a balanced attack, scoring 34 points in the paint. The Lakers' defense forced nine turnovers and limited New Haven to one three-pointer throughout the entire game.

The Lakers started the first half by capitalizing on turnovers, leading to a quick scoring drive. Mykolas Ivanauskas contributed early with consecutive jumpers in the paint, while Bernie Blunt III facilitated the offense with key assists. Christian Gamble hit a three-pointer at 14:31, pushing the home team ahead.

The Lakers maintained momentum with defensive stops and strong rebounding, highlighted by Blunt's steal and subsequent free throws at 6:55. Jake Lemelman further extended the lead with a three-pointer at 6:05. The Lakers closed the half with a solid performance, leading 41-25, showing effective scoring, particularly in the paint and from beyond the arc.

The Green and Blue began the second half by maintaining their momentum, with Qadir Martin contributing key offensive rebounds and scoring early points, including a jumper at 18:28 to extend their lead. Ivanauskas added to the effort with a layup at 14:17, assisted by Blunt, further increasing the point differential. Deshaun Jackson Jr. made significant contributions with a fast-break jumper at 8:44, keeping the pace steady. 

Though the Chargers attempted to close the gap, the Lakers' defensive efforts, including a block by Martin and multiple defensive rebounds, prevented any substantial comeback. Gamble's three-pointer at 8:00 added to the lead, and a layup by Cameron Johnson with 1:30 remaining sealed the half. The Lakers concluded the second half ahead, with the scoreboard reading 70–51.

Ivanauskas led the team with 14 points, converting 6 of his 9 attempts from the field and adding nine rebounds. Martin contributed 12 points, making 5 of 7 field goals and collecting four rebounds. Blunt added 10 points and was a key playmaker with six assists and two steals. Lemelman scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded two rebounds.

The Lakers improved to 11-11 overall and 6-3 in NEC play after their victory. New Haven fell to 9-12 overall and 4-4 in NEC competition.

They will travel to Chicago State to face the Cougars Saturday, January 31 at 2:00PM.