PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Despite a game-high-tying 17 points from senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped an 80-66 decision at Chestnut Hill College on Saturday afternoon at Sorgenti Arena.
The Mavericks (0-4) fall to the Griffins (1-4) for the sixth straight time.
Mercy opened the first half with a series of turnovers, allowing Chestnut Hill to establish an early lead. Sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans) contributed with a jumper and a layup, while freshman Jeffrey Mulhern (Duanesburg, N.Y./Duanesburg) added a crucial 3-pointer, keeping the Mavericks within reach. Despite these efforts, the Griffins maintained control with a strong presence in the paint, outscoring Mercy 18 to 8 in that area. Mercy managed to narrow the gap towards the end of the half, highlighted by senior Thomas Mandell's (Southern Pines, N.C./Penn State-Berks) three-pointer in the closing seconds. However, Chestnut Hill's early advantage held, concluding the half with the Mavericks trailing 35–22.
In the second half, Mercy attempted to close the gap with several key plays. Junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) hit a 3-pointer at 18:31, facilitated by junior Christopher Nana (Stamford, Conn./Sacred Heart University), and Holloway added another from beyond the arc at 16:06, narrowing the deficit to 12 points. Holloway continued to be pivotal, contributing both defensively and offensively with a defensive rebound and a subsequent layup at 11:43, converting the and-one play to reach 41 points. Rowbatham and sophomore Joshua Naklen (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bedford Academy) kept the pressure on with timely scoring, including a Rowbatham 3-pointer at 11:01 and a Naklen layup at 10:18. Despite these efforts, the Griffins maintained a strong offense, extending their lead to 18 points at one point. Mercy managed a late surge with Mandell's 3-pointer at 2:17, but the game concluded with Chestnut Hill retaining a 14-point lead, 80–66.
Holloway scored 17 points, including two 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. Rowbatham contributed 13 points and dished out two assists. Naklen finished with nine points and collected four rebounds. Freshman Tyrell Miller (Los Angeles, Calif./Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School) recorded two blocks and grabbed four defensive rebounds.
Jeremiah Gorham led Chestnut Hill with 12 points, shooting 5 of 9 from the field, and added five assists. Kamal Lee contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and matched Gorham with five assists. Amari Dow was the top scorer with 17 points, making 6 of 11 shots and three 3-pointers. Alejandro Cybak had a strong presence on the boards with eight rebounds and scored 10 points. Tyler Spencer added nine points and collected six rebounds, leading the team with two steals.
Mercy shot 40.7 percent (22-of-54) from the floor, 42.1 percent (8-of-19) from downtown and 82.4 percent (14-of-17) from the foul line. Chestnut Hill shot 53.6 percent (30-of-56) from the field, 52.9 percent (9-of-17) from beyond the arc and 61.1 percent (11-of-18) from the charity stripe. Chestnut Hill held a 36-24 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday when they play an Exhibition at Division I Bryant at 11 a.m.
