Guelph, ON - The Gryphons Men's Basketball team lost 70-53 to the visiting Mercyhurst Lakers from Erie, Pa. at the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Gryphons preseason record falls to 2-5.
  Strong, physical defensive play was the calling card in the first half. The offences on both teams struggled to get any rhythm going as the physicality on the defensive side forced players into some difficult shots and turnovers. The Lakers in the second quarter started to turn things around and built up a nine point cushion while the Gryphons were held to just six points in the quarter. The Mercyhurst Lakers are no strangers to playing tough 'D' after holding NCAA DII opponents to an average of just 62.2 points per game last season. The Gryphons managed just 53 points on the night, led by Ahmed Haroon and Taylor Boers who had 11 each. Mercyhurst's Damon Jones led all scorers with 15.
 

The Gryphons are back on the court at home on Thursday, Oct. 22 when the Bishop's Gaiters make the trip from Lennoxville, QC to the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre. Just two games remain on Guelph's preseason schedule before the team opens up the OUA regular season on November 6 in Thunder Bay against Lakehead.