| MATCHUP | Stonehill Skyhawks | Mercyhurst Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-20 | 16-16 |
| Spread | +4.5 -110 | -4.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +164 | -198 |
| Total | Over 129.5 (-110) | Under 129.5 (-110) |
| Where | Mercyhurst Stadium | |
| When | Saturday, March 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Stonehill Skyhawks and the Mercyhurst Lakers will meet on Saturday afternoon in a Northeast Conference Tournament semifinal at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Stonehill Skyhawks Betting Preview
The Stonehill Skyhawks enter Saturday’s contest with an 12–17 win‑loss record, including an 8–10 mark in conference play and an abysmal 3-11 record on the road. The Skyhawks have compiled wins over Central Connecticut, Mercyhurst and the Chicago State Cougars, while dropping recent games to Long Island, Saint Francis and Syracuse.
Earlier this season, in the Stonehill Skyhawks 61–59 win over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils, Skyhawks forward Ridvan accumulated 12 points (4 of 5 shooting from the field: 4 of 6 shooting from the free-throw line) and 7 rebounds showcasing his ability to lead the Skyhawks frontcourt.
The Stonehill Skyhawks average 64.1 points on 40.6 percent shooting from the field and 31.9 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Skyhawks are allowing opponents 69.9 points per contest which ranks 57th in the country.
Sophomore guard Hermann Koffi leads the Stonehill Skyhawks averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Forward Ridvan Tutic provides the Skyhawks a strong interior presence averaging 7.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest. Guard Davante Hackett adds further backcourt depth averaging 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Mercyhurst Lakers Betting Preview
The Mercyhurst Lakers enter Saturday afternoon’s contest with a 14–15 win‑loss record, including a 14–4 mark in conference play and an 8–8 record on the road. The Lakers have compiled wins over St. Francis, New Haven, Long Island and Chicago State, while dropping recent games to Wagner and the Le Moyne.
In the Mercyhurst Lakers 78–74 loss to Chicago State earlier this season, Mercyhurst forward Qadir Martin amassed 20 points (10 of 11 shooting from the field) illustrating his ability to lead the Lakers offense.
It is noteworthy that these two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Mercyhurst Lakers defeated the Stonehill Skyhawks 75-72.
The Mercyhurst Lakers average 68 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field and 31.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Lakers are allowing opponents 68.7 points per contest which ranks 42nd in the nation.
Senior forward Bernie Blunt III leads the Mercyhurst Lakers averaging 16.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1 steal per game. Sophomore forward Qadir Martin provides the Lakers a strong presence in the paint averaging 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 steal and 2.5 blocks per contest.
Why the Stonehill Skyhawks will win
• Guard play. Sophomore guard Hermann Koffi leads the Stonehill Skyhawks averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
• Quality defense. The Stonehill Skyhawks are allowing opponents just 69.9 points per game which ranks 57th in the nation.
• Momentum. The Skyhawks have won three of the team’s last four games played this season.
• Confidence. The Skyhawks defeated the Mercyhurst Lakers earlier this season.
Why the Mercyhurst Lakers will win
• Balanced scoring. Forward Shilo Jackson and guard Trent Mosuero provide consistent scoring production.
• Guard play. Guard Trent Mosquero averages 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Stonehill Skyhawks vs. Mercyhurst Lakers Prediction
This matchup features Mercyhurst’s balanced scoring, efficient shooting and home‑court advantage against a Stonehill team that rebounds well, competes physically and pushed the Lakers to overtime in their most recent meeting seven days ago. Stonehill has the tools to keep this competitive, but Mercyhurst’s efficiency, defensive pressure and late‑game playmaking give the Lakers the cleaner path to victory. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Mercyhurst Lakers to cover the 4.5 points in this game.