ERIE, Pa. — In a competitive matchup on Wednesday night, the Mercyhurst Lakers secured a 62-52 victory over the Canisius Golden Griffins, thanks in part to Bernie Blunt’s notable performance, contributing 16 points to the team’s efforts.

Blunt had a mixed shooting night, connecting on 4 of 13 attempts from the field, with a strong showing from beyond the arc as he drained 3 out of 9 three-point shots. He also demonstrated his effectiveness at the charity stripe, making 5 out of 6 free-throw attempts to help the Lakers improve their record to 3-1. Fellow teammate Jeff Planutis also played a significant role, scoring 15 points while shooting 5 of 9 overall, including making 1 of 3 from long range, and completing 4 of 6 attempts from the free-throw line. Planutis notably contributed defensively as well, securing three steals throughout the contest. Aidan Reichert also aided in the Lakers’ scoring, finishing the night with nine points on 3 of 8 shooting.

For the Golden Griffins, who fell to 0-3 this season, Paul McMillan IV was the standout player, leading the team with 20 points. Tana Kopa supported his effort with 17 points, complemented by seven rebounds, two steals, and an impressive four blocks, showcasing a strong defensive presence. Evan van der Plas rounded out the scoring for Canisius with five points.

Overall, this matchup showcased strategic plays from both teams, highlighting effective shooting and defensive efforts as Mercyhurst claimed the important victory.