2/11/23

SCRANTON, Pa. -- Lackawanna College used a first half surge to build a lead that they'd never surrender, despite a sluggish second half, in a 73-58 win over Mercer County CC on Saturday afternoon in the Lackawanna Student Union.
 
The Falcons (15-8, 6-3) won their third straight Region XIX game to remain in second-place, and jumped out on a 23-2 run through the first 13 minutes of the first half, securing a 26-5 advantage. The lead swelled to as much as 24 points in the first half before the Vikings (11-13, 4-5) got it within 17 at the break. Lackawanna expanded the lead back out to 28 points in the opening four minutes of the second half, but the Vikings battled back, getting the margin down to as close as 13 points, but never any closer.
 
Lackawanna shot 40% from the field, and forced 20 turnovers, while Mercer shot 40%, but was just 8-for-16 from the free throw line. The Falcons, by comparison, were 18-for-26 from the charity stripe. Three Lackawanna College players reached double-figures, with Rahmad Ali (Newark, NJ) pacing the Falcons with a season-best 20 points and 15 rebounds for his first double-double of the year, while also posting six assists and four steals. Malek Mims (Bethlehem, PA) added ten points, while Aamir Mack (Atlantic City, NJ) had ten as well.
 
Mercer was led by Izaiah Johnson's 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Jake Manuel added 16 points and Jason Mark had ten.
 
The Falcons now turn their attention to another home game, happening this Monday February 13^th, when they host the #17 NJCAA DI Monroe College Mustangs. That game is set for a 6:00pm ET tip-off inside the Lackawanna College Student Union.