New Haven, Conn. - The calendar year came to a close for the men's basketball team this afternoon from the James W. Moore Fieldhouse, falling to Southern Connecticut State, 101-72. SCSU improved to 9-2 on the season in the victory while Molloy fell to 2-12.

How it Happened

• The Lions started the contest on a 7-0 run on layups from junior Mick Browne and freshman Manu Alford paired with a three-pointer from freshman Rob Matos.
• Trailing 12-6, SCSU went on a 10-point run to take its first lead of the contest with 13 minutes left in the first half.
• A three-pointer from graduate student Jalen Rosemond two minutes later put Molloy back in front, 19-18, before a 15-point run put the Owls ahead, 34-19.
• The home team would end the half in front, 51-43.
• Matos would net two foul shots to start the first half and bring the Lions within six, but a 24-3 run from SCSU gave the Owls a 75-48 advantage midway through the second half. 
• SCSU shot at 50 percent from the field en route to the victory.

Top Performances

• Matos led the offense with 30 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and 13-of-14 from the foul line.
• Rosemond also reached double digits with 11 points while leading with eight rebounds and two steals.
• Alford, freshman Bryce Merchant, and junior Matt Lane each netted six points. 
• Junior Mick Browne led with three assists and junior Billy Reyes recorded Molloy's lone block.

Up Next
The Lions will open 2024 on Jan. 10 at home against Queens College at 7:00 p.m.