DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Despite a game-high 21 points from sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped a 69-61 decision to ECC foe Queens College on Wednesday night at the Judge Athletic Center.

The Mavericks (2-15, 2-6 ECC) have dropped seven games in a row and fall to the Knights (6-12, 2-5 ECC) for the second straight time.

The game began with Mercy taking an early lead as Rowbatham scored a fastbreak layup just 29 seconds into the contest. Queens responded quickly, with Lleyton Fried putting up the first points for the Knights. Junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College) contributed significantly with an assist and multiple scores, including an assist on a freshman Tyrell Miller (Los Angeles, Calif./Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School) dunk at the 18:22 mark. The Knights maintained their advantage through consistent scoring, with Henri Mennander adding crucial points in the paint. As the half closed, Mennander hit two free throws with 47 seconds remaining, giving the Knights a 34-30 lead. A late sophomore James Connolly (Canton, Ga./The Winchendon School) jumper cut the Queens lead to two, 34-32, at halftime.

Queens extended their lead early in the second half with a pair of free throws by Lleyton Fried at the 19:09 mark, making it 36-32. The Knights capitalized on their offensive rebounds, with Tahj-Malik Campbell scoring off a tip-in at 15:51 to push the lead to 44-36. Senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) kept the Mavericks competitive, hitting a three-pointer at 12:51 to narrow the gap to 46-42. However, the Knights responded with a 3-pointer from David Teele at 4:18, solidifying their position with a 60-52 advantage. Despite a late three-pointer by Rowbatham with 17 seconds remaining, the Knights held on to earn the 69-61 win.

Rowbatham led Mercy with a game-high 21 points, hitting eight of his 16 shots and converting all four free throw attempts, while adding a team-high seven rebounds. Trahan contributed 12 points, adding six rebounds and three steals. Miller showcased his defensive abilities by recording four blocks while also scoring six points. Holloway added nine points and collected five rebounds. Junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) added seven points and Connolly scored five points.

Queens was led by Campbell who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while also securing four steals. Mennander led the scoring effort with 18 points, converting 7-of-12 field goals and adding two blocks.

Mercy shot 39.7 percent (23-of-58) from the floor, 36.4 percent (4-of-11) from downtown and 84.6 percent (11-of-13) from the foul line. Queens shot 37.9 percent (25-of-66) from the field, 20.8 percent (5-of-24) from beyond the arc and 63.6 percent (14-of-22) from the charity stripe. Queens held a 44-39 edge on the glass.

Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, January 24th when they play at Molloy at 2:30 p.m.