ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst Athletic Center got it's very own taste of March Madness today as the third seeded Mercyhurst men's basketball team (16-16, 10-8 NEC) secured a 70-61 victory over six seeded FDU (11-21, 8-10 NEC). This win pushes the Lakers to the NEC semi-finals in their first year being eligible for the NEC Post-Season Tournament.

The Lakers maintained a steady lead throughout the game with both halves ending in a 35-point effort. The home team capitalized on FDU's 13 turnovers, scoring 13 points off these opportunities while matching their opponent's 30 points in the paint. The game saw two ties but no lead changes, with the Green and Blue's Qadir Martin contributing five blocks to the win.

The Lakers opened the first half with a strong start, as Bernie Blunt III hit a three-pointer early, assisted by Martin. The team capitalized on its offensive momentum by scoring effectively in the paint, led by Mykolas Ivanauskas and Jake Lemelman, who both contributed with key layups and assists. The Lakers' defense was resilient, limiting the Knight's shooting opportunities and securing 17 defensive rebounds.

The Lakers maintained its lead throughout the half, with Martin adding a dunk and making crucial free throws. The team continued to apply pressure, extending the lead with a late three-pointer by Lemelman. The half ended with Mercyhurst ahead, 35–28, maintaining control of the scoreboard.

The second half began with the Lakers maintaining its momentum from the first half. Martin opened with a jumper, followed by a strong defensive presence with a block and a steal. Lemelman contributed a three-pointer with an assist from Ivanauskas, strengthening the lead.

Midway through the half, Mercyhurst capitalized on fast breaks, with Blunt III adding a three-pointer and free throws, extending the lead to 46–33. The Knight's responded with a timeout and a brief scoring run, but the Lakers maintained control with key defensive rebounds and two free throws by Cameron Johnson, pushing the score to 50–41.

As the half closed, Mercyhurst, with the help of the Laker student section, continued to fend off FDU's efforts. Lemelman's jumper and Blunt's free throws secured the lead. The Lakers concluded the half with a successful defensive stand, ending with a 70–61 advantage.

Blunt scored 20 points and collected seven rebounds, leading the Lakers in scoring. Lemelman also contributed 20 points, making three 3-pointers and assisting four times. Martin posted five blocks and added 11 points, showcasing his defensive capability and continuing his streak of recording at least 11 total points in six consecutive games. Deshaun Jackson Jr. added six points and recorded four assists, supporting the team's offensive efforts.

The Lakers have a record of 16-16 overall and 10-8 in NEC play, they will host Stonehill at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center Saturday, March 7 at 12:00 p.m.