Preview: Mercyhurst Lakers at New Haven Chargers WEST HAVEN, Conn. (Interstat) — Two men’s NCAA Division I teams trending in opposite directions will meet Friday afternoon when the Mercyhurst Lakers visit the New Haven Chargers in a Northeast Conference matchup at Charger Gymnasium. Mercyhurst (8-11) arrives having snapped a two-game skid with a decisive 79-61 home victory over Central Connecticut on Monday. The Lakers were powered by a double-double from forward Qadir Martin (14 points, 10 rebounds) and a 20-point, 6-assist effort from guard Jake Lemelman. New Haven (9-10) carries a two-game winning streak, including a 62-56 road win at Chicago State on Monday. Guard Jabri Fitzpatrick led the Chargers with 15 points in that contest. The game features a contrast in momentum within the tightly packed conference standings. The Lakers have shown volatility, with their last six games decided by an average of just 7 points, including a 70-69 nail-biting win at Wagner and an overtime loss to Stonehill. The Chargers have found a rhythm in conference play, winning three of their last four NEC contests after a difficult non-conference stretch that included lopsided losses to Vanderbilt and Boston College. A key matchup will be in the frontcourt, where Mercyhurst’s Martin has emerged as a versatile defensive force. Over his last five games, the forward is averaging 3.6 blocks, including a six-block performance against Wagner. His ability to protect the rim will challenge a New Haven offense that has leaned on balanced scoring. For the Chargers, Fitzpatrick has been a steadying presence, scoring in double figures in four of his last five games while logging heavy minutes. His backcourt play against Lemelman and Bernie Blunt, who also scored 20 points on Monday, will be critical. Both teams will look to build conference positioning before a quick rematch scheduled for Jan. 29 in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Lakers continue a road swing at Chicago State on Sunday, while the Chargers host Saint Francis (Pa.) on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Friday at Charger Gymnasium.