ERIE, Pa. – Sophomore Jaz Farrell scored in double figures for the fifth time this season to lead the Mansfield University men's basketball team, but the third-ranked team in the nation Mercyhurst University proved to be too much as they earned a 92-63 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) victory at home on Tuesday night, Dec. 14.
 
Farrell poured in 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting to lead the Mounties (1-8, 0-3 PSAC) in points, while freshman Scott Woodring added 14 points and five rebounds. Freshman Justice Smith also pulled in five rebounds to go along with seven points, while sophomore Jordan Montgomery (eight points) and Manir Waller (seven points, seven rebounds) were productive with the Mounties' second unit.
 
The Mounties kept pass with the high-flying Lakers (9-0, 3-0 PSAC) in spurts of the contest, while finishing the night shooting 45 percent (26-of-58) from the floor. However, the Lakers shot a cool 52 percent (35-of-67) from the field and from three (5-of-10), while knocking down four extra free throws to pull away.
 
After trailing 11-2 through the opening three minutes, Smith drilled a 3-pointer and Farrell knocked down a jumper to cut the deficit to four with 15:49 remaining in the first half.
 
The Mounties kept the Lakers in check over the next three minutes to remain within striking distance, but Mercyhurst responded with a 19-4 run to extend their lead to 35-13 with 6:21 remaining in the half.
 
Coming out of the break trailing 41-26, the Mounties found new life following a layup by Smith and went on a 9-4 run to trim the lead back to 12. However, that is as close as Mansfield could get as Mercyhurst did not relent to close out the contest.
 
MiyKah McIntosh led four Lakers in double figures with 22 points and five assists on 9-of-15 shooting.
 
The Mounties are back in action on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. when they travel to PSAC West foe Gannon University.