Led by a 15-1 run to begin over time , the Molloy Lions defeated the Mercy Mavericks 75-66 Monday evening at Quealy Gym on the campus of Molloy College . With the win, Molloy improves to 5-8 in ECC play . Molloy was led by Scarlett Demchak, who had a season high 15 points.
This was a big win for Molloy because coming in to the game Mercy was only a game behind them for the last spot to get into the ECC tournament, “This game, and every game from here on out is so important so getting a win felt great. Caitlin (Wheeler) hit a huge free throw that brought us into OT. The team was determined to get this win and fought with a lot of heart to pull it out.” Demchak said.
The Lions opened the game on a 7-0 run . Mercy would respond with a 9-2 run to tie the game up at 9-9. Molloy went on a 18-2 run after that to open 27-11 led. Molloy led at the half 29-16.
The first half was one of the best halves the Lions have played all season. “This game was as good as we have played in awhile. It was nice to see we are capable of playing this well. But we can't have letdowns in the second half. But they showed a lot of heart in OT to pull out the win.” Coach Tim O’Hagan stated.
The Lions opened up an 18-point lead, 34-16, when sophomore guard Ashley Addison hit a three .The Mavericks were able to cut the Lion lead to six, 47-41, when Simon Williams, who had a game high 27 points, hit a lay-up. Later in the half Williams would hit another layup to tie the game at 54. Mercy would take a three point lead when Williams hit a foul shot with 17-seconds remaining. But the Lions would fight back, Freshman Jessica DeNicola hit a lay-up with 3.6 seconds to make it a one point game . Then after Williams could not sink two free throws, Lion’s senior Caitlin Wheeler was fouled. Wheeler missed her first but sunk the second to tie the game at 59.
“Those two free throws, It should never have come to them but it did. After missing the first, I knew I was going to make the second . I shoot at that basket every day. And it was good that we were able to come back and come out with the win. But giving up 40 points in the half, when we gave up 16 in the first, is unacceptable.” Wheeler said, “The win, puts us in a better spot for the playoff. Losing today would probably have solidified us not making the playoffs. And honestly, once we make the playoffs. It's three games and anything can happen.”
Graduate student Delmara Reece, a Mercy transfer, had a strong game against her old team. She recorded her sixth double-double, 11 points and 14 rebounds, of the year.
“It felt Great ( to win), and I was very excited that I played a key part in the win in especially with Mercy being my old team, and with how important this game was in the standing for us.” Reece said.
The Lions return to action tomorrow night when they travel to play NYIT.
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