FLUSHING, N.Y. – Despite a game-high-tying 18 points from senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team dropped an 82-69 decision at ECC foe Queens College on Wednesday night at Fitzgerald Gymnasium.
The Mavericks (2-21, 2-12 ECC) have dropped 13 games in a row and drop both meetings to the Knights (8-16, 4-9 ECC) this season.
Mercy and Queens opened the first half with a fast-paced exchange. Queens surged ahead early with Johnny Jones hitting a 3-pointer at 19:18, giving them an initial 3-0 lead. Mercy responded with Holloway's 3-pointer at 18:27, keeping the game within reach. Queens extended its advantage with Tyler Michel's jumper at 17:15 and a fast-break layup by Jones at 10:18, establishing a 25-14 lead. Despite a late push by Mercy, including a jumper by Holloway with 47 seconds left, Queens held a 44-35 lead at the end of the half, capped by Jones' final jumper as time expired.
Queens maintained its lead over the Mavericks throughout a competitive second half, ultimately securing a victory. Henri Mennander contributed significantly with a series of layups and a fast-break dunk at the 3:15 mark, extending Queens' advantage. Lleyton Fried added to the home team's momentum with a 3-pointer at 9:47 and a jumper in the final seconds. Junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College) responded with a dunk and key free throws, but Queens' control in the paint and defensive rebounds were decisive in the final outcome.
Holloway led Mercy with a game-high-tying 18 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. Trahan showcased his defensive skills with four steals and contributed 10 points while pulling down seven rebounds. Junior Ashton Pratt (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) added nine points, dished out four assists, and secured two rebounds. Freshman Tyrell Miller (Los Angeles, Calif./Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School) provided support with six points, six rebounds, and added a block. Sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans) had eight points and sophomore James Connolly (Canton, Ga./The Winchendon School) had a career-high eight points on 3-of-4 shooting.
Fried led Queens with 14 points, while also contributing four assists and five rebounds. Tahj-Malik Campbell made a significant impact with 17 points and 25 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end, and added five blocks and five assists. Mennander scored 18 points and secured 12 rebounds.
Mercy shot 39.7 percent (25-of-63) from the floor, 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from downtown and 70.0 percent (14-of-20) from the foul line. Queens shot 40.2 percent (33-of-82) from the field, 20.8 percent (5-of-24) from beyond the arc and 55.0 percent (11-of-20) from the charity stripe. Queens held a 64-35 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, February 22nd when they host Molloy for Alumni Day at 2 p.m.
