Staten Island, N.Y. - The men's basketball team was defeated by the Dolphins of the College of Staten Island this evening, 87-77 at the Sports & Recreation Center. Molloy fell to 6-12 on the season and 2-5 in East Coast Conference play in the loss while CSI improved to 8-11 (4-3 ECC).

How it Happened

• The teams played a tightly contested first half, with no team going ahead by more than two possessions.
• Molloy took an early 11-8 lead following back-to-back layups from graduate student Matt Lane, but five-straight points from CSI's Messiah Mallory regained the lead for the home team.
• The score would be tied four times in the final 11 minutes of the first half, including a three-pointer from junior Payton Shumpert to knot the score at 37 with 50 seconds to play.
• A final second jumper from JJ Chestnut gave the home team a one-basket advantage at the half.
• Molloy tied the contest twice in the opening minute before three made free throws from sophomore Rob Matos, a layup from senior Mick Browne, and a dunk from Lane gave the Lions a five-point advantage, 46-41.
• A 9-2 run from the Dolphins put them back in front, but Matos sunk two foul shots to once again tie the contest, 53-53 with 13 minutes to play.
• CSI would score nine of the next 12 points, but layups from Lane and sophomore Bryce Merchant brought the visitors back within two, 62-60. 
• An eight-point run gave the Dolphins the necessary distance to run away with the remaining eight minutes, not allowing Molloy to come closer than six points en route to the victory.

Top Performances

• Matos matched a career-high 30 points, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and the line.
• Shumpert returned to action with 16 points and eight rebounds.
• Merchant netted 15 points.
• Lane had a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds while topping the score sheet with five blocks.
• Browne led with four assists. 

Up Next
Molloy is on the road on Saturday (Jan. 25) in a match up with the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 p.m