Mercyhurst opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season Monday at Marquette, beginning a challenging road stretch after reaching the Northeast Conference championship game last year. The Lakers have overhauled their roster, with junior guard Jake Lemelman and transfer forward Deraje Agbaosi among the players expected to lead the team. Preseason All-NEC selection Tennessee Rainwater is sidelined until at least mid-December.

By the Numbers
  • Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT), Monday, Nov. 2; ESPN+.
  • Mercyhurst finished 17-17 last season and was picked second in the NEC preseason poll.
  • Only five players return; they accounted for 25.7% of last season’s scoring and 22.2% of its minutes.
  • Lemelman averaged 13.9 points and 3.2 assists per game last season.
Yes, But

Mercyhurst brings momentum from its run to the NEC title game, but its extensive roster turnover means new transfers and freshmen will need to fill major roles. Rainwater’s injury further limits the Lakers’ returning options early in the season.

What’s Next

After visiting Marquette, Mercyhurst travels to Notre Dame on Nov. 5, then hosts PSU Shenango on Nov. 7. Monday’s game is the first meeting between the Lakers and Golden Eagles.

Bottom Line

Mercyhurst’s season opener is an early test of whether its revamped roster can build on last year’s postseason breakthrough.