STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Despite a game-high and career-high 33 points from senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team opened ECC play with a 90-79 loss at College of Staten Island on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (0-6, 0-1 ECC) remain winless on the year, while the Dolphins (5-3, 1-0 ECC) have won two games in a row.
The game opened with Staten Island taking an early 2-0 lead on a layup by Asa Kone, assisted by Joey Poulin. Mercy responded with a jumper from Holloway to tie the score at 2-2. Staten Island then went on a 10-2 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Aaron Goldstein, to build a 12-4 lead. Despite a strong effort from Holloway, who contributed 15 points in the half, Staten Island maintained control, closing the half with a 46-30 advantage after a late 3-pointer by Andrew Benedict.
Sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans) ignited Mercy's comeback attempt in the second half with an early 3-pointer at the 19:49 mark, assisted by junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College). Trahan then followed with another 3-pointer and added a layup to keep the margin within reach. Staten Island responded with a swift offensive push, highlighted by Eric Tynes' layup and subsequent 3-pointer, extending their lead to 56-40. Despite Holloway's efforts, scoring a key 3-pointer and several free throws, Mercy's late surge fell short. Staten Island held on for the 90-79 win.
Holloway scored a game-high and career-high 33 points, making five 3-pointers and converting 8-of-10 free throws, while also collecting seven rebounds. The 33 points scored by Holloway are the most by scored by a Maverick since Garrett Kirkland scored 41 points at D'Youville on February 18, 2022. Trahan added 18 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field, and contributed two blocks and seven rebounds. Junior Christopher Nana (Stamford, Conn./Sacred Heart University) recorded a career-high 10 points, hitting 5-of-6 shots, and registered two blocks and two steals. Rowbatham added 14 points and junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) made an impact with three steals and added two points.
JJ Chestnut led the Dolphins with 21 points, including three 3-pointers, shooting 8-for-9 from the field. Goldstein matched with 21 points, adding four assists and hitting 7 of 11 shots.
Mercy shot 40.0 percent (30-of-75) from the floor, 44.4 percent (8-of-18) from downtown and 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the foul line. Staten Island shot 45.5 percent (30-of-66) from the field, 33.3 percent (10-of-30) from beyond the arc and 71.4 percent (20-of-28) from the charity stripe. Staten Island held a 53-33 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, December 6th when they host District of Columbia at 2 p.m.
