MELBOURNE, Fla. – Powered by senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) and juniors Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) and Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 73-56 win at Florida Tech on Sunday afternoon at the Clemente Center.
The Mavericks (6-5) have won two of their last three games and defeat the Panthers (4-7) in the schools' first meeting.
Mercy opened play with a jumper from senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook), assisted by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), taking an early lead against Florida Tech. Mikayla Morin quickly tied the score with a layup for the Panthers. Midway through the quarter, Lesko drained a three-pointer at 5:17, putting the Mavericks ahead 11-10. Mercy extended their lead with a fast-break three-pointer from sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) at 4:53, prompting a timeout from Florida Tech. Despite the Panthers' efforts, Mercy closed the quarter ahead, 21-14, with a jumper from sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central) marking the final points.
In the second quarter, Tai Roberts of Florida Tech scored a layup at 9:00 to cut the deficit. Amanda Ogbonna and Elif Dila Bayrak added crucial free throws, narrowing the score further. Barrera responded with two free throws at 7:23, maintaining their narrow lead. As the quarter progressed, Abuhatab's jumper at 5:04 tied the game, but the Panthers quickly regained the lead with Nandinkhusel Nyamjav's layup at 4:39. Mercy regained control late in the quarter, highlighted by Lesko's layup at 2:08, assisted by Barrera, ultimately securing a 32-29 lead by the end of the quarter.
Mercy dominated the third quarter, outscoring Florida Tech 21-11. Abuhatab sparked the Mavericks with an early three-pointer at 9:33, extending their lead. Barrera contributed significantly, making crucial layups, including one at 6:00, assisted by Lesko. Florida Tech struggled offensively, with Morin managing a late layup at 3:19 to cut the deficit. Hoyt added to Mercy's advantage with a three-pointer at 3:07, assisted by Barrera, solidifying their lead going into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Mavericks extended their lead over the Panthers with a strong offensive display. Lesko's layup at 9:01, assisted by senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield), pushed Mercy's score to 55-42. Sophomore Caitlin Leary (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place) further increased the lead with a three-pointer at 8:02, with an assist from Hoyt. Abuhatab capitalized on a fast break with a layup and free throw at 6:15, bringing the score to 61-42. Mercy maintained their advantage with consistent scoring, including key contributions from Miller and Nembach, sealing a 73-56 victory.
Abuhatab scored 14 points and collected five rebounds, contributing significantly to the Mavericks' performance. Barrera posted 12 points, recorded four assists, and added two steals, showcasing her defensive impact. Miller finished with nine points and registered two assists. Lesko led the team with 17 points and added five assists, leading her team in both categories.
Mikayla Morin led Florida Tech with 11 points and eight rebounds, showing effectiveness near the basket with five offensive boards.
Mercy shot a season-high 52.8 percent (28-of-53) from the floor, 35.3 percent (6-of-17) from beyond the arc and 52.4 percent (11-of-21) from the foul line. Florida Tech shot 30.9 percent (17-of-55) from the field, 16.7 percent (3-of-18) from downtown and 86.4 percent (19-of-22) from the charity stripe. Florida Tech held a 39-29 edge on the glass. Mercy also had a season-low six turnovers.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, December 31st when they play at Goldey-Beacom at 12 p.m.
