The Mercyhurst Prep Lakers came tearing into Saturday's matchup with seven straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 17.9 points) and they left with even more momentum. They managed a 71-66 win over Erie. The victory was all the more spectacular given Mercyhurst Prep's disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 221st, while Erie is ranked 92nd).
It was another big night for Craig Buckner, who scored 28 points along with three steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points he has scored all season. Tanner Ashton was another key contributor, scoring 12 points along with four steals.
Mercyhurst Prep's win was their seventh straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 13-7. Those good results were due in large part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 63.6 points per game. As for Erie, their loss ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 14-6.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Mercyhurst Prep will take on North East at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Mercyhurst Prep's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last seven contests. As for Erie, they will be playing at home against Fort LeBoeuf at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Erie is facing Fort LeBoeuf at the right time seeing as Fort LeBoeuf is stuck on a nine-game losing streak.
