Orangeburg, N.Y. - After trailing by as much as 15 to start the second half, the men's basketball team carried a one-point lead into the final three minutes of play in tonight's contest against Dominican University from the Hennessy Center. However, the Lions would be held without a field goal down the stretch and fell, 73-69. Molloy sits at 4-9 after the defeat while Dominican improved to 8-5.

How it Happened

• The teams exchanged baskets in the opening possessions until a 7-0 run put the Chargers up, 11-5.
• A three-pointer from sophomore Bryce Merchant and layup from freshman Dylan Kopp brought the Lions back within one.
• Dominican scored in its next two possessions and would quickly take a double digit lead before eventually going into the locker room break up by 11, 43-32.
• After two minutes of play in the second half, the home team led by as many as 15, 49-34. A 14-5 run by the visitors, including five points from both Merchant and graduate student Matt Lane, brought Molloy within five with just over 12 minutes remaining.
• Key'San Maynard of the Chargers and sophomore Rob Matos would exchange treys before seven-straight points from Molloy gave the Lions a 58-56 advantage with 7:28 on the clock.
•  The score would be tied at 58, 60, and 62 entering the final five minutes of the contest before a three-pointer from Merchant and two foul shots from Matos gave Molloy a 67-64 advantage with 3:04 left to play.
• Jaden Honis would hit both of his foul shots to kick off a game-winning 9-2 run for the Chargers.

Top Performances

• Merchant tied a career-high 28 points for the second-straight contest, shooting 10-of-22 from the field and 4-of-8 from long distance. The sophomore also put up a career-high three blocks while adding nine rebounds, one steal, and one assist.
• Lane pulled down a career-high 20 rebounds, 11 of which came on the offensive side of the ball, and added 14 points for a double-double.
• Matos rounded out the top scorers with 17 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
• Redshirt junior Seydina Mohamed Dieng led with four assists and added six rebounds and two blocks.

Up Next
Molloy returns to East Coast Conference play on Friday (Jan. 10) against #4 ranked Daemen University at 7:30 p.m. from Rockville Centre, N.Y.