MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Mansfield University men's basketball team (2-7, 1-4 PSAC) fell to Mercyhurst University (8-1, 4-1 PSAC), 88-58, in their final game of 2022 in a battle of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern-Western Division showdown in Decker Gymnasium on Friday afternoon, Dec. 30.
 
Riding a six-game winning streak, Mercyhurst could do no wrong on Friday afternoon and used a 50-point second half where they shot 57 percent (20-of-35) en route to a convincing victory.
 
After going back and forth for the opening ten minutes of the contest, trading five leads and tying twice, the Lakers closed out the first half on a 22-7 run and never looked back.
 
The Mounties did most of their damage from the charity stripe, knocking down 19-of-26 (73 percent) of their chances, while sending the Lakers to the foul line just 12 times, resulting in seven makes.
 
However, the Lakers pressure defense led to offense, as they forced 20 Mountaineer turnovers, while only committing six, while leading 20-10 in fast break points and 24-6 in points off turnovers.
 
Idris Ali led the Mountaineers in scoring, finishing with 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and a block. Saraj Ali finished with nine points and nine rebounds and Gabe Perez added 10 points, knocking down 2-of-4 shots from deep.
 
For the Lakers, Nicholas Lang led three players in double figures with 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Aiden Reichert added 16 points and seven rebounds.
 
The Mounties will open the New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. when they welcome West Chester University for a PSAC Eastern Division showdown.