EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – Despite a combined 56 points from sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans) and junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped a hard-fought 98-92 decision at RV East Stroudsburg University on Sunday afternoon at Koehler Fieldhouse.
The Mavericks (0-5) remain winless on the season, while the Warriors (5-0) remain undefeated on the year. The six-point loss is Mercy's smallest margin of defeat this season and the 92 points scored is a season high.
The game started with East Stroudsburg's Nasir Griffin scoring a layup, setting an early pace. Mercy responded effectively, with freshmen Jeffrey Mulhern (Duanesburg, N.Y./Duanesburg) and Tyrell Miller (Los Angeles, Calif./Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School) contributing key points in the paint. By the 17:00 mark, Mercy took a 9-4 lead following a three-pointer by junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College). East Stroudsburg's Adrian Brito hit a 3-pointer at 14:07, briefly regaining the lead for the home team. However, Rowbatham was instrumental, scoring inside and outside, including a fast-break layup at 8:11, helping Mercy establish a commanding lead. The Mavericks took a game-high 14-point lead, 35-21, after a Rowbatham free throw at the 6:27 mark. The half ended with Mercy ahead 50-43, thanks to steady scoring from Rowbatham and Trahan, who added a final layup with 56 seconds remaining.
In a tense second half, East Stroudsburg overcame a deficit to secure a 98-92 victory over Mercy. Rowbatham opened the half with a layup, extending the Mavericks' lead to 52-43 at the 19:49 mark. However, the Warriors found their rhythm with Keni Williams hitting a pivotal 3-pointer at 16:31, giving East Stroudsburg a 57-54 lead. A pair of free throws by Carson Howard made it 62-54, giving the hosts a 19-4 run to start the second half. A senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) jumper with 12:24 left made it a three-point game, 65-62, before the Warriors went on a 13-6 run to increase their lead to 10, 78-68, with 8:06 remaining. East Stroudsburg later held an 11-point lead, 94-83, with 2:15 on the clock. The Mavericks continued to battle and followed with a 9-1 run to make it 95-92, after a senior Thomas Mandell (Southern Pines, N.C./Penn State-Berks) three, with 35 seconds left. The Warriors scored the final three points of the game at the foul line to come away with the 98-92 win.
Rowbatham scored a game-high and career-high 29 points, converting 11-of-24 field goals, and added six assists. Trahan posted 27 points on 10-of-14 shooting and collected four steals. Holloway contributed 13 points and recorded five assists, making 7-of-8 free throws. Miller added six points and six rebounds.
Howard led the Warriors with a standout performance, scoring 22 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and blocking four shots. Griffin added 18 points and three steals, converting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Jalen Pichardo dominated the boards with 17 rebounds and also contributed six points and four assists.
Mercy shot a season-high 45.8 percent (33-of-72) from the floor, 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from downtown and 77.8 percent (21-of-27) from the foul line. East Stroudsburg shot 40.0 percent (30-of-75) from the field, 40.0 percent (12-of-30) from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent (26-of-39) from the charity stripe. East Stroudsburg held a 49-43 edge on the glass.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will travel to face the College of Staten Island on Wednesday, Dec. 3 in their ECC opener. The game is set for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off in Staten Island, N.Y.
