FLUSHING, N.Y. – Powered by a combined 63 points from juniors Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) and Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) and senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 73-55 win at ECC foe Queens College on Wednesday night at Fitzgerald Gymnasium.
The Mavericks (19-6, 13-1 ECC) have won 14 of their last 15 games and now have a school-record 13 ECC wins this season. Mercy has also secured a first-round bye in the ECC Championship. The Mavericks sweep the season series with the Knights (7-18, 4-9 ECC) for the third straight season.
The game opened with Lesko scoring the first points with a jumper, assisted by senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook), setting the tone for a competitive first quarter. Nkiru Awaka responded for Queens with two consecutive tip-ins, contributing to its early lead. Abuhatab's shooting was pivotal for the Mavericks, as she hit back-to-back three-pointers, the second with 3:13 remaining, extending their lead to 12-6. The Mavericks maintained their advantage with Lesko and Abuhatab combining for key scoring plays, closing the quarter ahead 18-14.
Mercy extended its lead over Queens in the second quarter, capitalizing on a strong defensive performance and efficient scoring. Lesko led the charge for the Mavericks with a three-pointer at 6:48 and also contributed with assists and defensive rebounds. The Mavericks' defense forced seven turnovers from the Knights and secured three steals, while the Knights struggled with shooting, hitting only 3 of 16 attempts. The quarter concluded with the Mavericks holding a 30-22 advantage, as Awaka's late tip-in provided the final points for the Knights.
Mercy extended its lead significantly in the third quarter, outscoring the Knights 35-19. Abuhatab contributed to the scoring with a fast-break layup at 8:56 and later added a three-pointer with 1:44 remaining. Barrera was active offensively, scoring from both the free-throw line and in the paint, finishing with multiple baskets. Lesko added to the Mavericks' momentum with a three-pointer at 1:20, leading to a comfortable advantage entering the final quarter.
Mercy maintained control in the fourth quarter, bolstered by Abuhatab's early three-pointer at 9:07, assisted by senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield). The Mavericks extended their lead shortly thereafter with a fast-break layup by Lesko, who also completed a three-point play following a foul, making it 71-41. The Knights managed to narrow the gap slightly with contributions from Awaka and Yinka Kruyswijk, including a three-pointer by Kruyswijk at 2:34. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks' defense held firm, with sophomore Haylee Ellwood (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Daemen University) contributing a key steal at 7:56 to thwart a comeback attempt, securing a decisive victory.
Mercy was led by Lesko who had a game-high-tying 23 points to go with 10 rebounds and five assists. Abuhatab recorded a game-high-tying 23 points, including four 3-pointers, and added two steals. Barrera contributed 17 points and collected seven rebounds. Sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) made an impact defensively with three steals.
Awaka led the Knights with a standout performance, scoring 22 points on 10-for-16 shooting while pulling down 15 rebounds.
Mercy shot 41.0 percent (25-of-61) from the floor, 35.0 percent (7-of-20) from downtown and 72.7 percent (16-of-22) from the foul line. Queens shot 35.0 percent (21-of-60) from the field, 28.6 percent (4-of-14) from beyond the arc and 81.8 percent (9-of-11) from the charity stripe. Queens held a 49-32 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, February 22nd when they host Molloy for Alumni Day at 12 p.m.
