The Mercyhurst Prep Lakers entered their tilt with Erie First Christian Academy with five consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with six. Mercyhurst Prep claimed a resounding 76-42 win over Erie First Christian Academy at home. Given Mercyhurst Prep's advantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 265th, while Erie First Christian Academy is ranked 597th), the result on Tuesday wasn't entirely unexpected.
Mercyhurst Prep's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Tanner Ashton, who scored 13 points along with three steals. Another player making a difference was Derek Bly, who scored 11 points along with five rebounds and three steals.
Despite the loss, Erie First Christian Academy saw an underclassman step up: Avery Collins scored 22 points along with six rebounds. Simon Gonzalez was another key contributor, scoring ten points along with five rebounds.
Mercyhurst Prep has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight contests, which provided a massive bump to their 11-7 record this season. As for Erie First Christian Academy, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-14.
Mercyhurst Prep will head out on the road to square off against Iroquois at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing isn't great for Iroquois: they have been struggling with four straight losses at home, while Mercyhurst Prep has snatched up five consecutive wins on the road. As for Erie First Christian Academy, they will square off against Fairview at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
