PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Despite sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans) and junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped an 89-58 decision at Jefferson University on Saturday afternoon at the Gallagher Center.
The Mavericks (0-2) fall to the Rams (2-0) in the programs' first meeting since 2009.
The game opened with Brendan Mykalcio scoring a layup for Jefferson just 29 seconds into the first half. Mercy quickly responded with a jumper from Rowbatham to tie the score. A Rowbatham three at the 18:38 mark gave the Mavericks a 5-2 lead. Jefferson then went on a 20-1 run to take a 22-6 lead with 11:46 left in the half. Mercy attempted a comeback with a three-pointer by Pratt at the 6:44 mark, cutting the deficit to five points. However, Jefferson's Alex Bates IV closed the half with a jumper in the final seconds, giving the hosts a 38-27 advantage at the end of the first half.
Jefferson expanded their lead early in the second half with a three-pointer by Bates IV and a jumper by Sean Fullerton, taking a 43-27 lead. Rowbatham responded with a layup at the 17:56 mark, but Jefferson maintained control through efficient shooting and key defensive plays. Fullerton contributed significantly, including a three-pointer that extended Jefferson's lead to 48-33 midway through the half. Mercy struggled to close the gap, despite Rowbatham's efforts, as Jefferson sealed the victory with a 51-31 advantage in the second half, finishing the game with an 89-58 win.
Rowbatham scored a team-high 16 points, going 6-of-10 from the floor. Pratt added 10 points and recorded two blocks. Junior Christopher Nana (Stamford, Conn./Sacred Heart University) collected seven rebounds while contributing four points. Senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) tallied six points and posted two steals and senior Thomas Mandell (Southern Pines, N.C./Penn State-Berks) added six points.
Bates led the team with a game-high 23 points, highlighted by five 3-pointers. Jeremiah Dorsey contributed 12 points, six assists, and two steals, showing versatility on both ends of the court. Brendan Mykalcio added eight points and was active defensively with three steals. Fullerton chipped in with seven points and two steals, providing solid support.
Mercy shot 36.8 percent (21-of-57) from the floor, 33.3 percent (5-of-15) from downtown and 61.1 percent (11-of-18) from the foul line. Jefferson shot 47.1 percent (32-of-68) from the field, 36.1 percent (13-of-36) from beyond the arc and 70.6 percent (12-of-17) from the charity stripe. Jefferson held a 43-34 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, November 19th when they host Felician at 7 p.m. in their home opener.
