AMHERST, N.Y. – Despite four Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped an 86-60 decision at ECC foe No. 4 Daemen University on Friday night at Lumsden Gymnasium.
The Mavericks (2-19, 2-10 ECC) have dropped 11 games in a row and fall to 0-26 all-time against the Wildcats (25-1, 13-0 ECC).
Daemen opened the game with a quick run, taking a 5-0 lead following a three-pointer from Justin Hemphill at 19:20 and a jumper from Benjamin Bill at 18:52, both assisted by Ryan Heath. Mercy responded with a three-pointer by junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College), narrowing the gap to 5-3 at 18:37. Daemen's Bill was active in the paint, contributing early with a tip-in at 18:11 and a layup at 15:12, helping Daemen maintain a lead. Despite Mercy's efforts, including a late three-pointer from sophomore James Connolly (Canton, Ga./The Winchendon School) at the 45-second mark, Daemen concluded the half ahead, 39-26.
Daemen extended its lead over Mercy in the second half with a strong performance. Justin Glover opened with a 3-pointer at 19:28, building on Daemen's momentum. Senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University) responded with a three at 18:36, but Daemen maintained control, highlighted by Heath's layup at 4:28, assisted by Hemphill. Despite Mercy's efforts, including a late layup by sophomore Joshua Naklen (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bedford Academy) at 1:19, Daemen secured its advantage, earning the 86-60 win.
Mercy was led by Pratt who contributed significantly with 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and added two assists. Holloway led the team with 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. Junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College) posted 11 points, converting seven of 11 free-throw attempts and dished out three assists. Sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans) added 10 points and Connolly netted five points. Naklen recorded four rebounds and added four points.
Daemen's Hemphill led with a well-rounded performance, recording a triple-double with 13 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, while also blocking three shots. Bill contributed significantly with 16 points, making 7 of 12 field goals, and added six rebounds.
Mercy shot 33.3 percent (20-of-60) from the floor, 33.3 percent (6-of-18) from downtown and 66.7 percent (14-of-21) from the foul line. Daemen shot 45.6 percent (31-of-68) from the field, 32.1 percent (9-of-28) from beyond the arc and 68.2 percent (15-of-22) from the charity stripe. Daemen held a 52-31 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, February 15th when they play at D'Youville at 3 p.m.
