ERIE, Pa. (Interstat) — Mercyhurst used a powerful first half to defeat Central Connecticut 79-61 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Monday at Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Lakers built a 42-28 halftime lead and maintained control throughout before an announced crowd of 567.

Qadir Martin led Mercyhurst with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Teammates Jake Lemelman and Bernie Blunt each added 20 points. Darin Smith scored 15 points for the Blue Devils, and Jay Rodgers contributed 11 points and eight assists.

The victory improved Mercyhurst to 8-11 this season, while Central Connecticut fell to 10-7. The total score went under the projected over/under line of 135.5.