WEST HAVEN, Conn. – New Haven Men's Basketball fell at home on Friday afternoon to the Mercyhurst Lakers, 61-57. In the defensive battle, Najimi George (Bridgeport, Conn./Kolbe Cathedral) dropped a game-high 17 points.

In addition to his 17, George picked up four rebounds, tied for second on the team with Andre Pasha (Syracuse, N.Y./Syracuse Academy of Science), who finished with 15 points, and Maison Adeleye (Arlington, Tx./Juan Seguin). Stefano Faloppa (Portogruaro, Italy/Holy Cross Prep) and Teshaun Steele (Worcester, Mass./Darrow School) each collected five rebounds, sharing the team lead. Jabri Fitzpatrick (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) finished with 12 points, five assists, and three boards.

Despite both teams' reputations as strong defensive squads, points in the paint came often in the contest. The Lakers scored 32 in the paint, while 30 of New Haven's 57 came in the lane.

New Haven will visit Mercyhurst on Thursday, Jan. 29. Opening tipoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.