ERIE, Pa. (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless runs and a staggering display of offensive rebounding, the Mercyhurst Lakers outlasted the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash 98-89 in overtime Thursday night in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball clash at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

The Lakers, who improved to 12-12 overall, needed a late surge to force the extra period and then dominated it, outscoring the Red Flash 19-10 to secure the victory. Saint Francis fell to 6-16.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final minutes of regulation and the entirety of overtime. Trailing 79-77 with under 30 seconds to play in the second half, Mercyhurst’s Bernie Blunt was fouled on a three-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws to give the Lakers an 80-79 lead. Saint Francis’ Skylar Wicks answered with a driving layup to put the Red Flash back ahead 81-80 with just over 20 seconds remaining.

On the ensuing possession, Mercyhurst worked the ball to its star, Qadir Martin. The 6-foot-5 forward from Staten Island, New York, drove and found Jake Lemelman for a layup with 11 seconds left, putting the Lakers up 82-81. Saint Francis had a final chance, but Zion Russell’s three-pointer was off the mark, sending the game to overtime tied at 82.

The overtime period belonged entirely to Mercyhurst. The Lakers scored the first six points, capitalizing on Saint Francis turnovers and missed shots. Martin, who finished with 20 points, five assists and four blocks, was instrumental, scoring on a layup and then finding Blunt for a jumper to extend the lead. The Red Flash, who had fought back from multiple deficits all night, finally ran out of answers, managing only two field goals in the five-minute extra session.

Mercyhurst’s victory was built on a massive advantage on the glass and efficiency at the free-throw line. The Lakers hauled in 19 offensive rebounds, leading to 23 second-chance points and helping them attempt 68 field goals to Saint Francis’ 65 despite the Red Flash having five more possessions. Mercyhurst also made 24 of 30 free throws, while Saint Francis converted just 15 of 22.

Bernie Blunt led all scorers with 26 points for Mercyhurst, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the foul line. Jake Lemelman added 21 points. The Lakers’ offensive rating of 128.5 points per 100 possessions underscored their effective, if not always pretty, attack.

Saint Francis was led by Chris Moncrief’s 22 points and four assists. Skylar Wicks contributed 19 points and six assists, while Zion Russell added 16 points. The Red Flash shot a respectable 49.2% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range but were ultimately undone by the rebounding disparity and 15 turnovers, which Mercyhurst converted into 19 points.

The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth contest. Mercyhurst used an early 11-0 run to build a lead, but Saint Francis responded with sharp three-point shooting, connecting on 10 of 23 for the game. The Lakers took a 45-37 lead into halftime, but the Red Flash chipped away throughout the second half, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Qadir Martin’s all-around performance continued a strong stretch for the junior, who is averaging 18.2 points over his last five games. His defensive presence, particularly his four blocks, altered numerous Saint Francis attempts in the paint.

The game attracted 932 fans to the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Lakers, who were installed as 8.5-point favorites, covered the spread, and the combined score of 187 points sailed over the posted over/under of 135.5.

Saint Francis will look to rebound quickly, traveling to face Le Moyne on Saturday. Mercyhurst also hits the road for its next contest, a Saturday matchup at Fairleigh Dickinson.