ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Despite three Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped an 84-64 decision at ECC foe Roberts Wesleyan University on Sunday afternoon at the Voller Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (2-12, 2-3 ECC) have dropped four games in a row and fall to 0-13 all-time at the Redhawks (3-10, 1-3 ECC).
The first half started with Mercy taking an early lead on a layup by sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans), but Roberts Wesleyan quickly tied the game with a layup from Mohamed Soumahoro. The teams exchanged leads throughout the half, with Rowbatham scoring consistently for Mercy, while Roberts Wesleyan's Jaden Battle and Jordan Brown responded with key three-pointers. As the half progressed, Roberts Wesleyan's Trey Kleitz hit crucial free throws in the final seconds to give Roberts Wesleyan a 43-39 lead at the break. Despite Mercy's strong performance in the paint, Roberts Wesleyan's three-point shooting and defensive plays, including four blocks, kept them ahead.
Roberts Wesleyan extended their advantage in the second half to secure a decisive win over Mercy. Keonjay Carter initiated the scoring with a layup, contributing to an early surge that widened their lead. Junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College) managed to cut the deficit briefly with a layup at 11:18, but Roberts Wesleyan's strong defensive rebounding and timely scoring, including a three-pointer from Brown at the 42-second mark, maintained control. Despite a late fast-break layup by sophomore James Connolly (Canton, Ga./The Winchendon School), Mercy could not close the gap, as Roberts Wesleyan outscored the Mavericks, 41-25, in the second half.
Rowbatham led Mercy with a game-high 22 points, converting 7-of-15 field goals and 7-of-12 free throws. Senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) added 15 points, including one 3-pointer, and contributed four rebounds. Trahan scored 10 points and recorded two steals while collecting seven rebounds. Junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) collected eight rebounds and four points. Junior Daniel Boateng (Fords, N.J./Caldwell University) chipped in five points and four rebounds.
Collin Woods led the Redhawks with 18 points, making 8-of-13 field goal attempts and contributing six assists. Brown added 16 points, converting all six free throw attempts and securing seven rebounds. Kleitz was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting three 3-pointers on three attempts to finish with 13 points.
Mercy shot 37.1 percent (23-of-62) from the floor, 15.4 percent (2-of-13) from downtown and 57.1 percent (16-of-28) from the foul line. Roberts Wesleyan shot 45.6 percent (26-of-57) from the field, 33.3 percent (9-of-27) from beyond the arc and 76.7 percent (23-of-30) from the charity stripe. Roberts Wesleyan held a 42-40 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, January 14th when they play at UDC at 7:30 p.m.
