Rockville Centre, N.Y. – The Molloy men's basketball team fell to the Setters of Pace University, 67-53, Saturday evening inside Quealy Gymnasium. Molloy moved to 0-3 on the campaign, while the Setters improved to 2-0.
How it Happened
- After Pace began the contest on a 4-0 run, both teams traded baskets through the first 10 minutes of the contest, with the Setters holding a one-point lead, 14-13, midway into the first stanza.
- The Lions followed up with an 8-0 rally, highlighted by graduate student Bobby Connors who netted a pair of three's put Molloy in front, 21-14 with 8:09 left in the first half.
- The road team responded with a 9-0 run of its own to close out the opening half, taking a 23-21 lead heading into halftime.
- Coming out of the locker room, junior Billy Reyes netted five of the first seven points for the Lions cutting the lead down to one, 29-28, with over 18 minutes remaining.
- A 5-0 run from the Setters over the next two minutes increased its lead to six, 34-28.
- Three free throws from Reyes and a three-point basket from freshman Chris Stokel brought Molloy within one, 37-36, with 14:25 to play.
- After going basket for basket in the next three minutes of action, Reyes converted a layup to knot the 40 with 11:51 remaining on the clock.
- Three consecutive layups from the road team reopened its five-point lead, 47-42, with under nine minutes to go.
- The run was brought to a stop by freshman Rob Matos, who nailed a three and a pull up jump shot in transition, bringing the contest all square at 47 with 7:43 remaining.
- Over the next three minutes of action, the Setters rallied to a 10-0 run to take a commanding, 57-47, lead with 4:26 left to play.
- The next five points for the cardinal and white came from Matos bringing Molloy back within seven, 59-52, but that was as close as they would come as Pace would make stops down the stretch and close out the victory, 67-53.
Top Performances
- Matos paced the Lions netting 14 points and dished out four assists while shooting five of five from the charity stripe.
- Connors collected 11 points and a team-high six rebounds.
- Reyes added 10 points.
Up Next
The Lions will conclude its homestand Wednesday (Nov. 15) when East Stroudsburg pays a visit to Rockville Centre. Tip-off inside Quealy Gymnasium is set for 7:00 p.m.
