Slideshow: Mercyhurst's basketball teams sweep Clarion

January 20, 2011

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College coach Deanna Richard (middle right) stands with her assistant coaches during the national anthem prior to her team's game against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College coach Deanna Richard (middle right) stands with her assistant coaches during the national anthem prior to her team’s game against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Mercyhurst College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each earned victories over visiting Clarion University Wednesday night at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Dana Banda scored 15 points to lead the Lakers in a 74-65 win, while senior Samantha Loadman recorded a block (below) and tied a career high with seven assists.

Additionally, Coach Deanna Richard (above) earned her 100th career victory with the program on Wednesday night. Mercyhurst is 10-8 overall and 2-1 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference competition this season.

The men required a few extra minutes to pull off a win, but put away Clarion in overtime, 90-81. Heiden Ratner and Luis Leao piled up a combined 59 points for Mercyhurst. Guard Jamal Turner dished out seven assists as the Lakers improved to 12-3 overall and 3-0 in the PSAC.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College senior Samantha Loadman yells as she high fives teammates during pregame introductions before a game against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College senior Samantha Loadman yells as she high-fives teammates during pregame introductions before a game against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College sophomore Dana Banda reaches for a loose ball near the scorer's table during the first half against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College sophomore Dana Banda reaches for a loose ball near the scorer’s table during the first half against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College coach Deanna Richard and her players watch the first half action against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College coach Deanna Richard and her players watch the first half action against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College's Nikki Frederickson calls for a pass during the first half against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College’s Nikki Frederickson calls for a pass during the first half against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College's Dana Banda calls out a play as she dribbles up the court against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College’s Dana Banda calls out a play as she dribbles up the court against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College seniors Samantha Loadman (right) and Amy Achesinski defend Clarion University's Mackenzie Clark during the first half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Loadman registered a block on the play.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College seniors Samantha Loadman (right) and Amy Achesinski defend Clarion University's Mackenzie Clark during the first half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Loadman registered a block on the play.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College's Luis Leao prepares to shoot a foul shot during the second half against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College’s Luis Leao prepares to shoot a foul shot during the second half against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College coach Gary Manchel discusses a play with his team during a second half timeout against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College coach Gary Manchel discusses a play with his team during a second half timeout against Clarion University on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College's Shelton Jackson (right) attempts to block a 3-pointer by Clarion University's Jamar Harrison during the second half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College’s Shelton Jackson (right) attempts to block a 3-pointer by Clarion University’s Jamar Harrison during the second half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College's Heiden Ratner scores a layup past Clarion University's Lloyd Harrison during the second half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College’s Heiden Ratner scores a layup past Clarion University’s Lloyd Harrison during the second half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College's Bill Weaver (42) fouls Clarion University's Lloyd Harrison while trying to block his layup during the second half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.Photo by Ethan Magoc: Mercyhurst College’s Bill Weaver (42) fouls Clarion University’s Lloyd Harrison while trying to block his layup during the second half on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.