The Mercyhurst Prep Lakers were the 76-52 winner over the Iroquois Braves when they last played one another back in February of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Mercyhurst Prep was just a bucket shy of victory on Tuesday and fell 53-52 to Iroquois.
Defeat or not, Mercyhurst Prep got some senior leadership from Maddox Brzuz and Craig Buckner. Brzuz scored 15 points along with six rebounds, while Buckner. scored ten points along with seven steals. Buckner hasn't dropped below two steals for three straight games. Another player making a difference was Alex Manendo, who scored five points.
Iroquois got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kellen Burroughs out in front who scored eight points along with ten rebounds and three blocks. Burroughs also grabbed two steals for the first time this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Roman Caporale, who scored 13 points along with six rebounds.
Mercyhurst Prep has been struggling recently, as they've lost four of their last five matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-7 record this season. As for Iroquois, their win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-5.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Mercyhurst Prep will take on North East at 7:15 p.m. on Friday. North East and Mercyhurst Prep are at an even 5-5 over their past ten head-to-heads. As for Iroquois, they will head out on the road to square off against Northwestern at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Northwestern is still on the hunt for that elusive first 'W'.
