DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by a game-high 30 points from sophomore Kohen Rowbatham (Slidell, La./University of New Orleans), the Mercy University Men's Basketball Team earned an 82-71 win over Caldwell University on Wednesday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (3-22) snap a 14-game losing streak and defeat the Cougars (13-14) for the first time since 2003.
The game opened with Mercy securing a narrow lead early on, driven by junior Ashton Pratt's (Alexandria, Va./Chesapeake College) scoring. Pratt converted a jumper and a three-pointer in quick succession, providing Mercy with a 5-2 advantage. Rowbatham added to Mercy's momentum with multiple three-pointers, extending the lead to 23-14 halfway through the half. Despite Melvin Evans' efforts for Caldwell, including a layup that brought them within striking distance, the Mavericks maintained control. Junior Jordan Trahan (New Orleans, La./Odessa College) was instrumental in the paint, scoring several layups, while freshman Tyrell Miller (Los Angeles, Calif./Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School) contributed with key rebounds. Mercy concluded the first half with a 41-32 lead after a late jumper by senior TJ Holloway (Stratford, Conn./Central Connecticut State University).
Mercy maintained its lead throughout the second half, securing an 82-71 victory over the Cougars. A Holloway three-pointer at the 19:08 mark of the second half gave Mercy a 44-34 lead. Caldwell stormed back on a 14-4 run to tie the game at 48-48 with 14:30 remaining. The Mavericks continued to battle and scored the next 11 points to retake the lead at 59-48 with 11:27 left. Holloway recorded five points during the run, and Trahan, Pratt and Rowbatham each added baskets. The Cougars rallied with an 11-2 run to cut Mercy's lead to two, 61-59, with 6:31 on the clock. A sophomore James Connolly (Canton, Ga./The Winchendon School) three put the Mavericks up, 66-61, with 5:48 left. Two Tristan Rogers free throws made it 69-65 in favor of Mercy at the 3:30 mark. Connolly went 2-of-2 from the line and scored a basket to put the Mavericks up, 73-65, with 2:37 remaining. A Markeis Isley layup made it 76-69 with 1:22 left in the game. However, Holloway went 4-of-4 from the foul line and Rowbatham made two free throws as Mercy pulled away for the 82-71 win.
Rowbatham led Mercy with a game-high 30 points, including five 3-pointers, and added four assists. Trahan contributed 18 points and recorded four assists. Holloway recorded 14 points and four rebounds. Miller collected 11 rebounds and posted four blocks, showcasing his defensive presence. Pratt added seven points and made two steals, and Connolly contributed seven points and seven rebounds. Junior Daniel Boateng (Fords, N.J./Caldwell University) added two points and four rebounds.
Evans led Caldwell with 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, showcasing his presence on the boards. DeAngelo Horn was a defensive force, contributing four blocks and adding 10 points.
Mercy shot 42.6 percent (29-of-68) from the floor, 34.8 percent (8-of-23) from downtown and 84.2 percent (16-of-19) from the foul line. Caldwell shot 38.2 percent (26-of-68) from the field, 15.0 percent (3-of-20) from beyond the arc and 76.2 percent (16-of-21) from the charity stripe. Mercy held a 46-38 edge on the glass and had a season-high 16 assists.
Head Coach Charles Marquardt and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, February 28th when they host St. Thomas Aquinas for Senior Day at 2 p.m.
