MERCYHURST (7-13, 7-2 NEC) vs CHICAGO STATE (5-17, 4-5 NEC)
Saturday, January 31 – 1:00 p.m.
TV: NEC Front Row
 
The Mercyhurst women's basketball team is looking for their seventh consecutive victory and a series sweep over Chicago State Saturday in Erie. The Lakers earned a come from behind win over the Cougars just seven days ago in the Windy City, 77-76. 
 
The Opponent
Chicago State comes into Saturday's contest with a 4-5 NEC record, earning a win over Saint Francis Thursday night, 70-61.
Keona McGee is the reigning NEC Co-Player of the Week. The sophomore guard averaged 22.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game in a 1-1 week for the Cougars.
The Cougars are one the best 3-point defenses in the league, only allowing teams to shoot 24.5 percent from deep. They are also disruptive, averaging the second most steals per game in conference play at 9.3.
The last time the Cougars played at the MAC, the Lakers pulled out a 76-69 overtime victory. Jenna Van Schaik went off for 24 points in last year's meeting in Erie.
 
Last Time Out
The Lakers won an overtime thriller at New Haven Thursday night, mounting a 14-point comeback in the second half. Cici Hernadez went off in the second half, spalshign four 3-pointers. Lena Walz, Sofia Wilson, and Jenna Van Schaik all reached double figures in the overtime victory. Imani Frazier added nine points, going 3-of-3 from the field.
 
WWWWWWin Streak
The Lakers have their first ever six game win streak since making the jump to Division I. Mercyhurst's last five game win streak came in 2020, winning six in a row from Feb. 29 of the 2019-2020 season to Jan. 9 of the 2020-2021 season.
Cici's on Fire
Cici Hernadez has been excellent in NEC play, averaging 17.7 points against NEC opponents. She is topping the league in the 3-point shooting percentage at 43.9 and in 3-points makes at 3.2.
 
Leveling Up
The Lakers have surpassed their NEC win total from last season with seven in their first nine games.
 
Road Warriors
The Lakers are 5-0 in NEC road games to start the season. It's the best start road start to conference play for the Lakers since they went 5-1 on the road to begin PSAC play in 2022-23.
 
Sharp Shooters
The Lakers made a season-high 16 3-pointers Thursday at New Haven. Mercyhurst drained six 3-pointers in the third quarter, helping the comeback effort. Cici Hernandez led the charge with five 3-point makes.
 
Offensive Onslaught
The Lakers have the best scoring offense in the league since conference play has begun. Scoring 72.4 points per contest, the Lakers are riding a six-game winning streak.
 
Protecting the Ball
The Lakers have the best turnover margin since NEC play has begun at 4.1, averaging just 13.0 turnovers per game. They also have the best team assist to turnover ratio in NEC games at 1.03.