DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Despite a game-high 23 points from junior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University), the Mercy University men's basketball team dropped a 75-61 decision to Goldey-Beacom College in their home opener on Saturday afternoon at the Neil Judge Student Athlete Center.
The Mavericks (0-3) remain winless on the year, while the Lightning (2-2) improve to 4-0 all-time against Mercy.
Mercy was led by Holloway who had a career-high 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting with a team-high six rebounds and four assists. Senior Taj Chiles (Harlem, N.Y./University of Bridgeport) recorded 10 points, five rebounds and four assists and senior Max Mitchell (Westport, Conn./Roberts Wesleyan University) netted nine points and two blocks. Freshman Ethan Robertson (Boston, Mass./The Winchendon School) had seven points and sophomore Shedrach Makanjuola (Boston, Mass./Quincy College) had six points and four rebounds. Freshman Nathan Robertson (Boston, Mass./The Winchendon School) contributed four points and sophomore Zein Wahdan (Alexandria, Egypt/Springfield Commonwealth Academy) had two points and four rebounds.
Goldey-Beacom was led by Jalen Robinson who had a team-high 16 points.
The Lightning jumped out to an 8-1 lead at the 16:49 mark of the first half. Goldey-Beacom later held a 10-3 lead before Mercy went on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 10-10 with 14:11 left in the half after a Holloway layup. The Lightning retook the lead at 13-10 before the Mavericks stormed back on a 14-4 run to take a 24-17 lead after a Chiles jumper with 6:32 remaining in the opening half.
The Lightning scored five straight points to make it 24-22 before a Mitchell three gave Mercy a 27-22 lead with 4:47 on the clock. A Holloway three at the 2:01 mark gave the Mavericks a 31-26 lead before Goldey-Beacom scored four consecutive points to make it 31-30 with 55 seconds left. Two Holloway free throws to end the half gave Mercy a 33-30 lead at halftime.
Mercy opened the second half with six straight points to take their largest lead of the game, 39-30, with 16:15 left to play after a Holloway tip-in. The Lightning ensued with a 13-2 run to take a 43-41 lead with 10:38 remaining. A Makanjuola dunk and Holloway three gave Mercy a 46-43 lead. However, Goldey-Beacom went on a 15-2 run to take a 58-48 lead with 5:57 left to play.
A Robinson layup gave the visitors a 63-52 lead with 3:18 remaining. A Holloway layup and Chiles three got the Mavericks to within six, 63-57, at the 2:36 mark. Tre Powell went 2-of-2 from the line to make it 65-57 before Mitchell nailed a jumper to make it 65-59 with 1:59 left. Goldey-Beacom ended the game on a 10-2 run to come away with the 75-61 win.
Mercy shot 46.0 percent (23-of-50) from the floor, 25.0 percent (5-of-20) from downtown and 71.4 percent (10-of-14) from the foul line. Goldey-Beacom shot 39.6 percent (21-of-53) from the field, 33.3 percent (9-of-27) from beyond the arc and 68.6 percent (24-of-35) from the charity stripe. Goldey-Beacom held a 37-29 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Chris Watts and the Mavericks resume action on Tuesday, November 26th when they play at Bloomfield at 7:30 p.m.
