Worcester, Mass. – Despite double-digit performances from five members of the maroon and white, the men's basketball team dropped its season opener, 95-80, at Assumption College this evening at the Assumption Tip-Off Classic.
How it Happened
- A nine-point run gave the Lions an 11-8 lead early in the first half. The Greyhounds capitalized on back-to-back three's from Matthew Kelly to knot the contest, 14-14.
- Seven points from Branislov Vujadinovic led Assumption to a 29-26 lead with six minutes left to play in the half.
- A three-pointer from sophomore Steven Torre would bring Molloy within two, 33-31, in the final four minutes of play, but the home team went to the break with a 10-point lead, 41-31.
- In the second half, the maroon and white tried to chip away at the deficit, but Assumption was able to pull in front to as much as a 21-point lead, 76-55, with just over nine minutes remaining.
- A layup from freshman Billy Muller brought the Lions within 13, 85-72, with 3:39 on the clock, but that was as close as Molloy would get in the final minutes.
- The Greyhounds capitalized on its opportunities, scoring 20 points off turnovers and 15 second chance points. The Lions maintained an advantage in both points in the paint (38) and fast break points (10).
Top Performances
- Muller tallied a team-leading 15 points in his collegiate debut, going 7-of-13 from the field. The forward also added nine rebounds and two blocks.
- He was joined in double figures by senior Mike Torre (14), junior Nick Corbett (13), Steven Torre (13), and junior Josh Dennis (10).
- Mike Torre nabbed a game-high four steals while Steven Torre and junior Nolan Kelly each dished out three assists.
Coach's Comments
"We met a high-shooting team in Assumption tonight," stated head coach
Charles Marquardt of the Greybounds, who shot .582 from the field on the evening as opposed to .465 from Molloy. "Along with that, our defense needs to become much better."
Looking Ahead
The Lions continue its appearance at the Assumption Tip-Off Classic tomorrow (Nov. 10) as they take on Saint Michael's College at 2:00 p.m.
