Mercyhurst Lakers Dominate Central Connecticut Blue Devils 79-61
Monday, January 19, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Mercyhurst Athletic Center
Mercyhurst Lakers 79, Central Connecticut Blue Devils 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Mercyhurst Lakers?
Mercyhurst Lakers beat Central Connecticut Blue Devils 79-61 at Mercyhurst Athletic Center on January 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Mercyhurst Lakers?
Mercyhurst Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
The Mercyhurst Lakers secured a decisive victory against the Central Connecticut Blue Devils, winning 79-61 at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. This match was particularly noteworthy as it marked a turnaround for the Lakers, who had struggled in their previous encounters against the Blue Devils, losing both meetings in the previous season. With this win, Mercyhurst improved their overall record to 9-11, while Central Connecticut fell to 10-8.
In the lead-up to this game, the Lakers had a mixed record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with a recent streak of one loss. They averaged 66.8 points scored per game while allowing 67.2 points. Their last match resulted in a loss to the Stonehill Skyhawks, where they fell 57-62. Prior to that, they had a narrow victory against the Wagner Seahawks, winning 70-69. Mercyhurst's home record stood at 4-6, indicating a slight advantage when playing on their own court.
On the other hand, Central Connecticut was entering the game with a stronger form, boasting a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and riding a four-game winning streak. They had been scoring an average of 78.6 points while allowing 72.1 points. Their most recent victory was a high-scoring affair against the Saint Francis Red Wolves, where they won 98-90. Central Connecticut's away record was 3-5, showing some vulnerability when playing outside their home venue.
The matchup was closely contested in the early stages, but Mercyhurst pulled away in the second half. Key scoring plays included a 28-foot three-point jumper by Jay Rodgers, which helped extend the Lakers' lead. The Lakers also showcased their depth, with contributions from players like Ashton Reynolds and Qadir Martin, who each made crucial shots to keep the momentum in their favor.
In terms of injury updates, no specific player injuries were reported in the block, indicating that both teams were likely at full strength for this matchup. This would have allowed both coaches to utilize their rosters effectively, contributing to the overall quality of play.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Mercyhurst favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 132.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, but the Lakers ultimately exceeded expectations with their performance.
As for the conditions during the game, the venue at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center provided a familiar setting for the Lakers, which may have contributed to their strong showing. Fans witnessed a blend of strategic play and individual brilliance, particularly from Mercyhurst, who capitalized on their home advantage.
In summary, the Lakers' victory not only marked an important win in their season but also served as a statement against a team that had previously bested them. With this win, Mercyhurst will look to build momentum as they continue through the season, while Central Connecticut will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses to avoid further losses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MERC -1.5 | 132.5 o -108 / u -112 | Central Connecticut Blue Devils -108 · Mercyhurst Lakers -112 |
Leaders
- PointsBernie Blunt III20Mercyhurst Lakers
- AssistsJake Lemelman6Mercyhurst Lakers
- ReboundsQadir Martin10Mercyhurst Lakers
- PointsDarin Smith Jr.15Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- AssistsJay Rodgers8Central Connecticut Blue Devils
- ReboundsMax Frazier7Central Connecticut Blue Devils
Recent form
Mercyhurst Lakers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L166.8 scored · 67.2 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L57-62vs Stonehill SkyhawksJan 17
- W70-69at Wagner SeahawksJan 10
- L58-60at Long Island University SharksJan 9
- W74-60vs Le Moyne DolphinsJan 4
- L67-74vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsJan 3
- W82-61vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 20
- L62-76at Syracuse OrangeDec 18
- L47-80at Davidson WildcatsDec 13
- W80-51vs Bethany (WV) BisonDec 7
- L71-79at Lafayette LeopardsDec 6
Central Connecticut Blue Devils
Last 10: 6-4Streak W478.6 scored · 72.1 allowed per game3-3 away
- W98-90at Saint Francis Red WolvesJan 17
- W69-59at Le Moyne DolphinsJan 10
- W76-69vs Stonehill SkyhawksJan 9
- W72-61vs New Haven ChargersJan 4
- L78-84at Long Island University SharksJan 3
- L70-84vs Fairfield StagsDec 19
- W84-67at Binghamton BearcatsDec 13
- L56-73at Northeastern HuskiesDec 7
- L61-77at Seton Hall PiratesDec 4
- W122-57vs Johnson & Wales GriffinsNov 30
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island University | 24-11 | - | 15-3 |
| Central Connecticut | 18-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Mercyhurst | 17-17 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Le Moyne | 15-17 | 5 | 10-8 |
| New Haven | 14-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Wagner | 14-17 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Stonehill | 12-21 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 11-21 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Saint Francis | 7-24 | 10 | 5-13 |
| Chicago State | 7-25 | 10 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Central Connecticut Blue Devils | Mercyhurst Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-60 | 33-60 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 9-17 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 53 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 4-4 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 25 |
| Assists | 13 | 22 |
| Steals | 3 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 38 |
| Fouls | 11 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half26-40Darin Smith Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 1st Half28-40Daniel James makes layup (Elijah Parker assists)
- 1st Half28-42Deshaun Jackson Jr. makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half30-42Max Frazier makes 3-foot dunk (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half30-44Jake Lemelman makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half33-44Jay Rodgers makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half33-47Christian Gamble makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jake Lemelman assists)
- 2nd Half35-47Max Frazier makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half35-50Christian Gamble makes 27-foot three point jumper (Qadir Martin assists)
- 2nd Half37-50Max Frazier makes 3-foot dunk (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half37-53Jake Lemelman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Christian Gamble assists)
- 2nd Half37-55Qadir Martin makes 3-foot jumper (Deshaun Jackson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half37-57Bernie Blunt III makes layup (Jake Lemelman assists)
- 2nd Half39-57Elijah Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half39-59James Thomas makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half41-59Darin Smith Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half41-61Bernie Blunt III makes layup
- 2nd Half42-61Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-61Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-64Kaden Fuhrmann makes 25-foot three point jumper (Deshaun Jackson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half45-64Darin Smith Jr. makes 2-foot dunk (Ashton Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half46-64Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-64Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-64Melo Sanchez makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-66Qadir Martin makes layup
- 2nd Half49-67Bernie Blunt III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-68Bernie Blunt III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-70Qadir Martin makes 0-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-70Daniel James makes 4-foot jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half52-70Daniel James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-70Daniel James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-73Bernie Blunt III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Deshaun Jackson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half56-73Jay Rodgers makes 28-foot three point jumper (Ashton Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half57-73Ashton Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-73Darin Smith Jr. makes 9-foot jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
- 2nd Half59-75Bernie Blunt III makes 9-foot jumper (Deshaun Jackson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-77Qadir Martin makes 4-foot jumper (Mykolas Ivanauskas assists)
- 2nd Half59-79Deshaun Jackson Jr. makes 6-foot jumper (Qadir Martin assists)
- 2nd Half60-79Daniel James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-79Daniel James makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Mercyhurst Lakers, below favours Central Connecticut Blue Devils.
Venue
- Mercyhurst Athletic CenterErie, PA
- Attendance567
- OfficialsPhil Sallustio Jr., Robert Riley Jr., Jason Stallworth
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