Rockville Centre, N.Y. - The 2023-24 men's basketball season concluded this afternoon in an 85-75 loss to the University of the District of Columbia. Molloy ends the season with a record of 7-20 overall and 5-11 in East Coast Conference play while UDC will advance to the ECC Tournament with a conference record of 8-8 (10-15 overall).
Before the game, the program recognized its senior members:
Jalen Rosemond (business management),
Mick Browne (economics),
Dimitri Garrett (criminal justice), and
Bobby Connors (business management) in a Senior Day ceremony.
How it Happened
- An eight-point run gave the Firebirds an early 8-2 lead. A three-pointer from junior Terence Crowley and a jumper from freshman Bryce Merchant would cut the deficit to two points, 12-10, six minutes into the half.
- A 13-4 run from UDC increased the lead to double digits midway through the first half, 25-14.
- The Lions would chip away at the lead in the final minutes of the half and trailed by just two, 40-38, headed into the break.
- Molloy was off to a quick start in the second half, taking a three-point lead on layups from Browne and Connors.
- UDC would tie the score twice, once at 44-44 and then again at 46-46. Later, a 20-5 would put the visitors ahead by 12, 66-54
- The cardinal and white responded with baskets from junior Matt Lane, Garrett, and freshman Rob Matos to come within two, 66-64, with under 10 minutes to play.
- Molloy would knot the score at 70 on a basket from Rosemond with 5:53 on the clock before baskets from Rosemond and Matos would later give the home team a one-point edge, 74-73.
- The Firebirds would close the contest out by holding Molloy to just one point to earn the 85-75 victory.
Top Performances
- Matos led with a team-high 19 points, five assists, and four steals.
- Rosemond ended his collegiate career with his third double-double of the season, 17 points and 11 rebounds to go with two steals.
- Connors also reached double digit boards in his final contest, putting up 12 rebounds to go with seven points and two assists.
- Browne had seven points, seven rebounds and one block while leading the team with three steals.
- Garrett netted a career-high eight points, including shooting 3-of-5 from long distance.
