RINDGE, N.H. – Despite a game-high and career-high 30 points from sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped a 92-75 decision at Franklin Pierce University on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks (2-10) have dropped two games in a row and fall to the Ravens (4-6) for the second straight year.
The game began with junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) sinking a 3-pointer just 23 seconds into play, assisted by Rowbatham. Mercy maintained the lead early, with senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) contributing two jumpers. Franklin Pierce responded with Anthony Parker's 3-pointer at 18:17, narrowing the gap. Despite Mercy's efforts, including a fast-break layup by Rowbatham at 14:16, Franklin Pierce overtook the lead with Raymond Baka's tip-in at 7:34. The Ravens extended their lead late in the half as Parker and Jalen Duff hit consecutive 3-pointers within the final two minutes, ending the half with Franklin Pierce ahead 52-41.
Mercy, trailing at the half, initiated the second half with a three-pointer from Holloway at the 19:20 mark, cutting Franklin Pierce's lead to eight. Pratt's layup at 18:54 brought Mercy closer, but Franklin Pierce's Baka responded with consecutive layups, extending their advantage. Rowbatham fueled Mercy's offense with a layup and free throw at 14:53, narrowing the gap to 10. Despite a late surge from junior Derek Long (Milford, Conn./Deerfield Academy), who hit a three-pointer at 6:52, Franklin Pierce maintained control, closing the half with a 92-75 victory, highlighted by Parker's jumper in the final seconds.
Rowbatham led the team with 30 points, including four 3-pointers, and collected three steals. Holloway contributed 15 points, making seven of his 17 attempts from the field. Long added 15 points as well, with three 3-pointers and three total rebounds. Pratt scored 13 points and provided four assists.
Parker led Franklin Pierce with 25 points, making 5-of-11 from beyond the arc, and contributed seven assists and two steals. Baka followed closely with 24 points, hitting 11-of-17 field goals and adding four rebounds.
Mercy shot 43.7 percent (31-of-71) from the field, 37.5 percent (9-of-24) from downtown and 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from the foul line. Franklin Pierce shot 57.4 percent (35-of-61) from the floor, 55.6 percent (15-of-27) from beyond the arc and 87.5 percent (7-of-8) from the charity stripe. Franklin Pierce held a 37-31 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Friday, January 2nd when they host Southern Connecticut State at 2 p.m.
