BUFFALO, N.Y. – Powered by a game-high 18 points from junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 60-46 win at ECC foe D'Youville University on Sunday afternoon at Saints Center Gym.

The Mavericks (18-6, 12-1 ECC) have won 13 of their last 14 games and sweep the season series with the Saints (10-12, 7-7 ECC) for the third straight season. Mercy now has a school-record-tying 12 ECC wins on the year.

The game commenced with Mercy seizing an early lead, thanks to junior Grace Lesko's (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) three-pointer assisted by senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) at 8:21. Abuhatab contributed significantly to the offensive effort, scoring a jumper at 7:25 and later sinking a three-pointer at 2:46, also assisted by Nembach. Molly O'Toole kept D'Youville competitive with a pair of jumpers, including one at 2:16 to narrow the gap. Despite D'Youville's attempts to catch up, the Mavericks maintained a slim advantage, ending the first quarter ahead 17-14.

Mercy dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Saints 13-1. Sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) initiated the scoring surge with a three-pointer at 6:07, assisted by Abuhatab. Lesko and Abuhatab further extended Mercy's lead with a three-pointer and a jumper, respectively. Miller added two free throws at 1:55, and senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) capped the quarter with a jumper in the paint as time expired, solidifying Mercy's commanding position. D'Youville struggled offensively, missing all 12 field goal attempts and only converting one free throw by Allie Hall at 8:10. Mercy held a 30-15 lead at halftime.

Mercy opened the third quarter with a three-pointer by Abuhatab at 9:35, extending its lead over the Saints. Barrera followed with a jumper assisted by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), pushing the Mavericks' advantage further. Despite efforts from D'Youville, including a successful jumper by Morgan Giancaterino at 5:30, Mercy maintained control. Abuhatab added another three-pointer at 3:12, with Nembach providing the assist, solidifying Mercy's lead. Samantha Ruhlman managed a late jumper for D'Youville, but Mercy closed the quarter ahead, 43-23.

Mercy maintained its lead over the Saints. Miller started the quarter with a layup assisted by sophomore Caitlin Leary (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place) at 9:41, extending Mercy's advantage. D'Youville's Xanthippi Karatasiou responded effectively, scoring a tip-in and a three-pointer early in the quarter. Barrera contributed significantly for Mercy, adding a couple of layups, while Lesko's three-pointer at 3:32 further cemented their lead. Despite a late three-pointer by Ava Pearson with one second remaining, D'Youville could not close the gap, leaving Mercy to secure the victory.

Abuhatab led Mercy with a game-high 18 points, converting 6 of 12 from the field, including four 3-pointers. Barrera added 14 points, making 7 of 13 shot attempts and collecting four rebounds. Nembach facilitated the offense with six assists while also contributing two rebounds. Lesko tallied 17 points, connecting on 5 of 10 shots and three 3-pointers, along with four rebounds. Miller recorded seven points.

Karatasiou led D'Youville with 12 points, connecting on 5 of 13 shots and 2 of 6 from beyond the arc. Giancaterino added 11 points, shooting 5 for 8 from the field.

Mercy shot 45.8 percent (22-of-48) from the floor, 44.4 percent (8-of-18) from downtown and 88.9 percent (8-of-9) from the foul line. D'Youville shot 38.3 percent (18-of-47) from the field, 26.7 percent (4-of-15) from beyond the arc and 75.0 percent (6-of-8) from the charity stripe. D'Youville held a 28-23 edge on the glass.

Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, February 18th when they play at Queens at 7:30 p.m.