Rockville Centre, N.Y. - The men's basketball team snapped a seven-game losing streak to close out the home portion of 2023 this evening from Quealy Gymnasium, topping Chestnut Hill College, 81-71. Molloy improved to 2-11 on the campaign while Chestnut Hill fell to 1-10.

How it Happened

• The Griffins started the contest on a 7-0 run, but Molloy responded with a 13-0 run, including 11 points from graduate student Bobby Connors, who assisted on the lone basket he didn't score himself.
• Three-pointers from freshmen Rob Matos and Manu Aflord paired with a layup and foul shot from junior Matt Lane increased the Lions' lead to as many as 12 points, 22-10 with 11:04 left in the first half.
• Still trailing by 12 with eight minutes to play, Chestnut Hill went on a 15-0 run to end the half in front, 28-26.
• Lane opened the second half with seven points. Paired with layups from Connors and junior Mick Browne, Molloy regained a 37-31 advantage in the first four minutes.
• After two tie scores, a jumper and three-pointer from freshman Bryce Merchant put the cardinal and white in front, 65-58, with just under six minutes left in the contest. The home team would maintain its advantage to earn the team's first win since November 21.

Top Performances

• Matos led the scorers with 18 points and a career-high eight assists.
• Connors finished with 17 points and nine rebounds while adding five assists.
• Lane had a career-high in both points (16) and rebounds (15) for his first career double-double and added three blocks.
• Browne tallied 14 points and led with two steals. 
• Alford and Merchant each netted seven points.

Up Next
Molloy will close out the calendar year on the road on Dec. 30, taking on Southern Connecticut State University at 1:00 p.m. from New Haven, Conn.