Preview: Mercyhurst Lakers at Long Island Sharks NEW YORK (Interstat) — A surging Long Island Sharks squad will look to continue its push near the top of the conference standings when it hosts the Mercyhurst Lakers in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Wellness, Recreation & Athletic Center. The Sharks (17-8 overall) enter on a strong run, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent victory was a 74-59 home win over Saint Francis (PA) on Thursday, powered by a 29-point performance from junior guard Janessa Williams. Williams has been a consistent force, averaging 18.4 points over her last seven contests. Conversely, the Lakers (10-15) have struggled for consistency but are coming off a 73-67 road win at Wagner. That victory snapped a two-game skid. Mercyhurst will rely heavily on senior guard Jenna Van Schaik, who scored 29 points in the win over Wagner and is averaging 15.4 points and 4.3 assists over her last seven games. This game is a quick rematch of a Jan. 8 thriller, which Long Island won 86-81 in Erie. In that contest, the Sharks outlasted the Lakers in a high-scoring affair. The matchup features a stark contrast in season trajectories. Long Island, boasting one of the league’s best records, will aim to defend its home court and solidify its postseason positioning. Mercyhurst, sitting below .500, seeks to build momentum from its last win and play spoiler on the road. Defensively, the Lakers must find an answer for Williams, whose scoring versatility has keyed the Sharks’ offense. For Long Island, containing Van Schaik’s playmaking and recent scoring surge will be critical. Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.