DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by four Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 72-57 Alumni Day win over ECC foe Molloy University on Sunday afternoon at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (20-6, 14-1 ECC) have won five games in a row and 15 of their last 16 games. Mercy sweeps the season series with the Lions (11-15, 9-5 ECC) for the first time since the 2023-24 season. The Mavericks now have 20 wins in a season for the second time in the last three seasons and for the seventh time in program history.
The game began with Molloy's Sharmeela Ugbogbo scoring a layup just 15 seconds into the first quarter. Molloy built an early lead, with Colleen McCullagh adding two fast-break layups. Mercy called a timeout at 7:17 with the score at 8-0. The Mavericks responded with a layup by junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) at 7:01, initiating a comeback. Junior Grace Lesko's (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) two three-pointers in the final minute, including one at 15 seconds, helped the Mavericks secure a 19-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. Emma Poland's free throw for Molloy concluded the scoring for the quarter.
Mercy outscored Molloy 17-14 in the second quarter to extend its lead. The Lions scored the first four points of the quarter, briefly tying the game at 19-19. Junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) responded with a three-pointer at 7:01, aided by Lesko's assist, pushing the Mavericks ahead. They maintained control with Lesko contributing four free throws and a jumper in the latter part of the quarter. Sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) capped off the quarter for Mercy by completing a three-point play with 15 seconds remaining. Rosa Rizzitelli managed a layup for the Lions just before the buzzer, closing the gap slightly. The Mavericks held a 36-29 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was marked by a strong offensive push from Molloy, as it outscored Mercy 20-14. Boek opened the scoring with a three-pointer at 8:40, assisted by senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic), contributing to Mercy's early lead. Rizzitelli was pivotal, adding points with a layup and free throws, while also assisting on key plays. Senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) added a crucial three-pointer at 5:04, extending its lead briefly before Molloy narrowed the gap with a late three-pointer from Grace Trotta, bringing the score to 50-49 in favor of Mercy at the end of the quarter.
The Mavericks secured a decisive victory over Molloy in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lions 22-8. Abuhatab led the charge for Mercy, starting with a three-pointer just ten seconds into the quarter, assisted by Lesko. Midway through, Miller added a layup and two free throws, extending the lead to 59-51. Abuhatab continued to dominate, contributing a layup with 1:38 left on the clock and sealing the game with two free throws at the 23-second mark.
Abuhatab led Mercy with a game-high 20 points, converting five of seven from beyond the arc and adding two steals. Lesko contributed 14 points and collected seven rebounds. Boek added nine points, five rebounds and dished out seven assists. Miller finished with 10 points, making six of seven free throws. Nembach scored a season-high 10 points to go with six rebounds.
McCullagh led the scoring effort for Molloy with 14 points, securing six rebounds, including four offensive boards. Rizzitelli also contributed 14 points and added seven assists while collecting nine rebounds.
Mercy shot 42.6 percent (23-of-54) from the floor, 43.5 percent (10-of-23) from downtown and 84.2 percent (16-of-19) from the foul line. Molloy shot 37.9 percent (25-of-66) from the field, 21.4 percent (3-of-14) from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent (4-of-6) from the charity stripe. Rebounds were tied at 37-37.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, February 28th when they host St. Thomas Aquinas for Senior Day at 12 p.m.
