DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Despite three Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped an 83-65 decision to ECC foe No. 3 Daemen University on Friday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (1-8, 1-2 ECC) have dropped two games in a row and fall to 0-25 all-time against the Wildcats (11-0, 3-0 ECC).
The game began with Daemen's Benjamin Bill scoring a layup at 19:43, assisted by Justin Glover. Mercy responded with a 3-pointer from senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) at 18:34, assisted by sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans), bringing the score to 3-2 in favor of Mercy. Daemen's Zach Philipkoski made a notable impact, contributing with a layup and a dunk, pushing Daemen's lead to 10-7 at 16:25. Despite Mercy's efforts, including a 3-pointer by Rowbatham at 9:36 to tie the score at 20, Daemen managed to regain control. Phil Nwugwo's tip-in and subsequent free throw at 1:15 extended Daemen's lead to 38-29. Mercy closed the half with free throws by junior Christopher Nana (Stamford, Conn./Sacred Heart University), reducing the deficit to 38-31 by the end of the first half.
Daemen opened the second half with a series of effective plays, extending their lead over the Mavericks. Glover capitalized on multiple opportunities, hitting two free throws at the 19:29 mark to push the score to 40-31. Nwugwo contributed with a fast-break layup assisted by Philipkoski, widening the gap to 43-31 early in the half. Despite efforts from the Mavericks, including a jumper by Holloway at 6:56 to bring the score to 64-52, Daemen maintained control. Philipkoski's 3-pointer at 4:06 extended Daemen's lead to 72-57, and they closed the game with an 83-65 victory after Josh Haskell's 3-pointer in the final minute.
Holloway scored 16 points and recorded five assists, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Junior Derek Long (Milford, Conn./Deerfield Academy) added six points while making a strong defensive impact with five steals. Rowbatham led the scoring with 17 points and added four assists. Freshman Tyrell Miller (Los Angeles, Calif./Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School) bolstered the defense with three blocks and two steals, while also collecting six rebounds. Junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College) added 13 points and four steals.
Philipkoski led Daemen with a game-high 27 points, connecting on 11-of-15 shots, including four 3-pointers. He also contributed three steals and eight rebounds. Nwugwo added a double-double, scoring 17 points and pulling down 11 rebounds, while blocking two shots.
Mercy shot 43.1 percent (25-of-58) from the floor, 30.0 percent (3-of-10) from downtown and 60.0 percent (12-of-20) from the foul line. Daemen shot 52.5 percent (32-of-61) from the field, 42.1 percent (8-of-19) from beyond the arc and 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the charity stripe. Daemen held a 42-27 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, December 14th when they host D'Youville at 2 p.m.
