EASTON, Mass. (Interstat) — In a game defined by its relentless tension and a series of crucial plays in the final seconds of regulation and overtime, the Mercyhurst Lakers edged the Stonehill Skyhawks in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball thriller Saturday at Merkert Gymnasium.

The Lakers, who avenged an overtime loss to Stonehill from just over a month prior, improved to 15-16 overall. The Skyhawks fell to 10-20.

The most pivotal sequence of the contest unfolded in the waning moments of the second half, setting the stage for the extra period. With Stonehill clinging to a 62-60 lead and under five seconds remaining, Mercyhurst’s Jake Lemelman, a Newton, Massachusetts native, seized the moment. After a missed three-pointer by Bernie Blunt, Sean Lang secured the offensive rebound. The ball found its way back to Lemelman, who drained a clutch three-point jump shot with just 24 seconds left, putting the Lakers ahead 63-62 and sending the visiting bench into a frenzy.

Stonehill, however, had a final chance in regulation. Chas Stinson’s potential game-winning jump shot missed as time expired, forcing overtime after the teams finished the second half knotted at 62-62, having also been tied 30-30 at halftime.

The overtime period was a mirror of the game’s overall complexion: a physical, defensive struggle decided at the free-throw line. The teams combined for 23 points in the extra five minutes, with 19 coming from foul shots. Mercyhurst ultimately separated itself by converting a higher percentage of its opportunities. The Lakers shot 19 of 25 from the line for the game, while Stonehill made 17 of 28.

With the score tied at 70-70 in the final seconds of overtime, Mercyhurst’s Blunt was fouled and calmly sank both free throws with seven seconds remaining to give his team a two-point lead. After a Stonehill timeout, the Lakers’ Jake Lemelman was then fouled on the ensuing inbounds play. He also made both free throws, extending the lead to 74-70 with four seconds left. Stonehill’s Chas Stinson made two free throws to cut the deficit back to two, but Mercyhurst’s Lemelman was fouled again and sealed the victory by making one of two with four seconds remaining, producing the final margin.

Bernie Blunt led all scorers with 24 points for Mercyhurst, including several key free throws in overtime. Jake Lemelman added 20 points, with his late three-pointer in regulation standing as the game’s most significant field goal. For Stonehill, Chas Stinson scored 21 points and Davante Hackett added 15. Ethan Meuser contributed 14 points and Ridvan Tutic had 12 for the Skyhawks.

Statistically, the game was a defensive battle with both teams struggling from the floor. Mercyhurst shot just 35.2 percent, while Stonehill finished at 37.5 percent. The Lakers’ ability to force turnovers proved critical; they committed only five while forcing Stonehill into 12. Mercyhurst also recorded eight blocks and seven steals, with Qadir Martin accounting for three blocks.

The game, played before an intimate crowd of 415, was a stark contrast to the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 17, which Stonehill won 62-57 in overtime. This time, Mercyhurst executed in the final minute of regulation and was more efficient from the charity stripe in the extra period to secure the narrow victory.