Knights’ head coach Ryan Mangini on the loss, “Our guys played hard and Mercyhurst played well,” Knights head coach Ryan Mangini said. “We are proud of the season we had. It’s always tough to see a season end. We will miss our seniors, Jaydon Chase and Casey Seymour.”

Game scoring honors went to the Lakers’ Tanner Ashton, who finished with 29 points, including five 3-pointers and 6 for 8 from the line. Teammate Alex Menendo added 20 points, including four makes from beyond the arc.

Eisenhower was led by Austin Hanson, who finished with 20 points and Seymour, who added 13.

Five ties highlighted the first quarter and Mercyhurst Prep led 15-14 heading into the second period. The Knights’ Gavin Lindemuth had 6 points and Chase added a 3-pointer to keep pace with the Lakers, who led 30-28 at the half.

Eisenhower’s Austin Hanson, right, battles for a loose ball with a Mercyhurst Prep player.

The third quarter was Eisenhower’s downfall as the Lakers exploded for 28 points. Ashton found his shooting touch, torching the Knights for four 3-pointers. Teammate Alex Menendo added a pair of treys to put Mercyhurst Prep in front for good 58-43 at period’s end.

The Lakers played keep away in the fourth quarter, and Eisenhower got no closer than nine points the rest of the way.

The Knights finish the season 14-10 while the Lakers improve to 18-7 and head into the PIAA playoffs next week.