ERIE, Pa. (Interstat) — A quick rematch with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Mercyhurst Lakers host the New Haven Chargers in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball matchup at Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

The Lakers (10-11, 4-2 NEC) edged the Chargers (9-11, 3-3) 61-57 just six days prior on Jan. 23 in West Haven, Connecticut. That victory marked Mercyhurst’s third win in its last four games, including a narrow 61-59 home win over Chicago State last Sunday. Christian Gamble was pivotal in both victories, totaling 17 points, five rebounds and six assists across the two contests.

New Haven seeks to split the season series and climb back to .500 in conference play. The Chargers had won three straight before the loss to Mercyhurst, including a 62-56 road victory at Chicago State on Jan. 19. Guard Jabri Fitzpatrick, who scored 12 points with five assists in the first meeting, has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 10.1 points and 3.6 assists over his last seven games.

The game features two teams jockeying for position in a tight NEC mid-table. Mercyhurst’s recent success has been fueled by balance, with Bernie Blunt scoring 19 points and Mykolaus Ivanauskas grabbing 12 rebounds in the win over Chicago State. New Haven will look for a more efficient offensive performance after shooting just 36.2% from the field in the first matchup, despite 17 points from Najimi George and 15 from Andre Pasha.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Mercyhurst travels to Chicago State on Saturday, while New Haven visits Saint Francis (PA) to continue conference play.