The Mercyhurst College Lakers may not typically perform like their namesake in Los Angeles, but this season the men would like to try.

The men’s basketball team hasn’t started any conference play yet, but has performed well thus far, posting an overall record of 3-2.

After losing to California University of Pennsylvania in last season’s finale, they opened the 2009-2010 season with a strong 98-64 win over Penn State Greater Allegheny on Nov. 15.

They split at the DoubleTree Doc Jacobs Classic, hosted by St. Michael’s College, before downing Roberts Wesleyan College, 66-63, and suffering a 3-point loss to Urbana University.

The team believes that they are setting themselves up for a victorious season and expect to pick up many more wins as the season continues.

“We have a great bunch of guys and we expect to have a successful season,” junior Jason Snow said.

Head Coach Gary Manchel hopes to gain victories as well, since he is only 12 wins from becoming the Lakers’ all-time wins leader.
His record is currently 95-77 overall, and with 22 games left to play this season, the title shouldn’t be a problem to earn.

This season, the team is counting on everyone to work together and bring their individual talents to the court.

“Old guys are counting on the newcomers to back them up,” Snow said.

Seniors Jordan Armstong, Nnamdi Nnadili and Elliot Engelmann aren’t expected to lead the team on their own.

The Lakers will host the Mercyhurst Invitational this weekend, Dec. 12-13.

The team’s first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West game will be Jan. 13, 2010. They will play Slippery Rock University on The Rock’s home turf, but Mercyhurst hopes to make a strong showing after losing in the teams’ last meeting.