WORCESTER, Mass. – Despite a combined 37 points from juniors Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) and Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team dropped a 68-56 decision at Assumption University on Sunday afternoon at Andrew Laska Gym.
The Mavericks (2-3) have dropped two games in a row and fall to the Greyhounds (4-1) for the seventh straight time.
The game commenced with Assumption taking an early lead, thanks to a 3-pointer by Teagan Kamm at 9:28, assisted by Thai Davis. Mercy responded with Abuhatab's jumper at 5:29, narrowing the score to 5-2. Abuhatab then gave Mercy the lead at 9-8 with a jumper at 3:12. However, the Greyhounds regained control with a jumper from Kamm and extended their lead to 13-9 with 1:42 remaining. Two free throws by Emma Dahl and a pair by Davis in the final minute secured Assumption's 17-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Maeve Moriarty's assist set up Thai Davis for an early jumper, pushing Assumption ahead. Abuhatab responded for the Mavericks with two successful free throws, cutting the deficit. Emily Collins contributed significantly for the Greyhounds, scoring multiple times, including a layup assisted by Emma Dahl at 8:07. Despite the efforts of the Mavericks, including a 3-pointer by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) at 5:35, Assumption maintained control. Madison Handrahan closed the quarter with a 3-pointer at 0:04, extending Assumption's lead to 37-24 at the half.
Assumption started the third quarter with a strong showing, including a jumper by Kamm at 9:17 with an assist from Moriarty. Mercy responded with a layup from Lesko at 9:01. Senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield) contributed to Mercy's efforts with a jumper at 7:45, assisted by sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy), though Assumption maintained their lead by converting free throws and layups. The Mavericks capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, with Lesko and Abuhatab each converting two free throws, narrowing the gap slightly. Despite the Mavericks' efforts, Assumption ended the quarter ahead, 52-40, after Emma Collins' jump shot and Kamm's layup secured the Greyhounds' advantage.
Mercy began the final quarter trailing Assumption and aimed to close the gap with a strong offensive push. Abuhatab contributed early with a defensive rebound, followed by a jumper from senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) to narrow the deficit to 52-42. Lesko made significant plays, including a layup and a tip-in, bringing the Mavericks closer at 55-48. Despite their efforts, including strong free-throw shooting from Miller, Assumption maintained their lead with key scoring moments from Teagan Curran, who added a 3-pointer and several free throws. The quarter concluded with Assumption holding onto their advantage, finishing with a 68-56 victory.
Lesko led Mercy with a game-high 20 points, converting all eight free throws. Abuhatab contributed 17 points, including eight successful free throw attempts, and grabbed five rebounds. Nembach was effective defensively, recording four steals while adding four points. Marcotte added four points, collected five rebounds, and posted two blocks. Hoyt added five points and five rebounds.
Handrahan led Assumption with 16 points. Thai Davis contributed significantly on the boards and defensively, securing 10 rebounds and recording two steals. Teagan Curran added 12 points and matched the team's high with two blocks. Teagan Kamm efficiently scored 12 points.
Mercy shot 29.1 percent (16-of-55) from the floor, 14.3 percent (2-of-14) from downtown and 100.0 percent (22-of-22) from the foul line. The 22 made free throws without a miss are the most without a miss in a single game in Division II this season. Assumption shot 41.8 percent (23-of-55) from the field, 42.9 percent (6-of-14) from beyond the arc and 69.6 percent (16-of-23) from the charity stripe. Assumption held a 42-32 edge on the glass.
In their next game, Mercy will travel to face the College of Staten Island on Wednesday, December 3rd in their ECC opener. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. on Staten Island, N.Y.
