EASTON, Mass. — The Mercyhurst men's basketball team (15-16, 10-8 NEC) edged past Stonehill College (11-20, 8-10 NEC) with a 75-72 overtime victory on Saturday at Merkert Gymnasium. The game featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes, highlighting the intense competition between the two teams. The Lakers achieved several season highs during the game, including 71 field goal attempts and 47 total rebounds, which showcased their aggressive play style.

The Lakers started the first half by falling behind early but managed to stay competitive throughout. Despite trailing by as much as 15–2 in the opening minutes, the Lakers responded with a series of successful offensive plays. Deshaun Jackson Jr. contributed significantly with a series of field goals, while Bernie Blunt III, who converted a season-high 13 free throws, and Qadir Martin added crucial points to help close the gap. Martin has impressively made 6 or more field goals in 5 straight games, highlighting his consistent scoring ability.

Their defense forced multiple turnovers, leading to scoring opportunities that they capitalized on. Kaden Fuhrmann's 3-pointer tied the game at 28–28 with 2:32 remaining. Blunt scored a layup at the buzzer to tie the score, ending the half at 30–30.

The Lakers began the second half with a defensive stand, including a block by Martin, and quickly countered with a layup by Martin assisted by Jake Lemelman, narrowing the gap. A flurry of scoring from both teams ensued, with the Lakers taking the lead at 18:18 with a 3-pointer from Lemelman, assisted by Cameron Johnson.

As the half progressed, Mercyhurst maintained pressure with a series of fast breaks and layups, highlighted by a quick layup and an assist from Jackson Jr., giving them a narrow edge. The lead exchanged hands multiple times, but Sean Lang's late 3-pointer at 0:24 tied the game once again. Lang was also instrumental on defense, achieving a season-high total of 11 rebounds.

Despite consistent defensive efforts, including blocks and steals, the half concluded with a tie, as both teams scored 32 points, making the overall score 62–62 at the end of the second half. The Green and Blue recorded a season-high 34 defensive rebounds, which was crucial in limiting Stonehill's second-chance points.

The Lakers leveraged their ability at the free-throw line to maintain momentum in the overtime, converting 11 of 12 attempts. Blunt's defensive stop and subsequent scoring efforts were crucial, securing a narrow lead late in the extra period. The Green and Blue's defense, highlighted by Mykolas Ivanauskas with two blocks, held Stonehill to just two successful field goals. The team exceeded their season average by blocking 8 shots in this game.

As the overtime concluded, the Lakers managed to extend their lead with a late jump shot by Blunt III and additional free throws by Lemelman, despite a late 3-pointer from Stonehill's Anthony Holden. The game ended with the Lakers leading 75–72.

Blunt III led the team with 24 points, connecting on 5 of 19 field goal attempts and 13 of 14 free throws, while also recording four steals. Lemelman contributed 20 points, making 6 of 16 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the line. Lang was active on the boards, collecting 11 rebounds in the game. Ivanauskas stood out defensively, posting three blocks.

The Lakers hold a record of 15-16 overall and 10-8 in NEC play. Stonehill stands at 11-20 overall with an 8-10 record in the NEC.

Mercyhurst will return home on Wednesday March 4 as they host the quarterfinal round of NEC playoffs.