VALHALLA, N.Y. (Nov. 29, 2017) – Powered by five Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy College men's basketball team earned a 77-60 victory over Nyack College on Wednesday evening at Westchester Community College.
The Mavericks (3-2) have won two straight games and surpass their win total from last season, while the Warriors (0-5) remain winless on the year.
Mercy was led by junior Dequawne Richards (Bronx, N.Y./Hostos CC), who recorded 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Junior Sal Barbetto (New City, N.Y./Rockland CC) contributed 14 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Senior Marko Kozul (Archbishop Molloy / Felician University) added 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.
The Warriors were led by Carl Balthazar, who recorded fifteen points, four rebounds, and one steal. Rashard Lewis added 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
The Mavericks were the first to get on the board when Richards was able to grab a rebound for a successful layup. Mercy trailed 13-12 with 12:28 on the clock, but the Mavericks continued to fight till the end of the half, as they were able to score nine points in the final three minutes of play. A three pointer at the buzzer from Matthew Alectus (Hollywood, Fla. / Hallandale) would put Mercy up 36-25 at the half. The Mavericks were led by Kozul in the first half, who recorded nine points, four rebounds, and one steal. Brendon Smith (Baltimore, Md./Baltimore City CC) contributed to the Mavericks defense, blocking four shots and grabbing three rebounds. Nyack was led by Rashard Lewis who finished the half with eight points and five rebounds.
The Warriors opened up scoring in the second half with a quick three points. However, Kelvin Howard (Dematha Catholic HS/Baltimore City CC) quickly evened the second half scoring when he sank a three pointer at the 17:54 mark. Five unanswered points would put the Mavericks up 44-28 with 15:12 to go in the half. The Warriors continued to fight, but were outscored 41-35 in the second half and eventually fell 77-60 to the Mavericks.
Mercy shot 44.3 percent (27-of-61) from the floor, 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from downtown and 78.3 percent (18-of-23) from the foul line. Nyack shot 32.3 percent (21-of-65) from the floor, 25.8 percent (8-of-31) from beyond the arc and 50.0 percent (10-of-20) from the charity stripe.
Head Coach Michael Maczko and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, December 2nd when they host Fisher College at Westchester Community College at 2 p.m.
