ERIE, Pa. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build on narrow conference victories will meet Saturday when the Mercyhurst Lakers host the Stonehill Skyhawks in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball matchup.

The game, scheduled for Jan. 17, 2026, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, features teams with struggling overall records but recent momentum. The Lakers (7-10) edged Wagner 70-69 on the road last Saturday, while the Skyhawks (4-12) outlasted Chicago State 85-82 in overtime the same day.

Mercyhurst will rely on guard Bernie Blunt, who scored 23 points in the win over Wagner. Blunt has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.2 points over his last five games. He will be a primary focus for a Stonehill defense that has allowed 70.1 points per game this season.

Stonehill counters with forward Ridvan Tutic, who is coming off a dominant 15-point, 13-rebound double-double in the overtime win. Tutic’s production has fluctuated, but his ability to control the glass will be key against a Mercyhurst squad that was outrebounded 40-32 in its last outing.

The Lakers hold a slight edge in the standings and are playing at home, where they are 4-3 this season. Stonehill, however, has shown resilience, with two of its four wins coming in its last five games. The Skyhawks’ victory over Chicago State featured strong performances from Davante Hackett (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Chas Stinson (13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) alongside Tutic.

Both teams have faced challenging non-conference slates, contributing to their sub-.500 records. The matchup represents an early opportunity to gain footing in the NEC race. Mercyhurst aims to protect its home court and string together consecutive wins for the first time since December, while Stonehill seeks its first road victory since Jan. 4.

Following this contest, Mercyhurst hosts Central Connecticut on Monday. Stonehill travels to face Saint Francis (Pa.) the same day.