Rockville Centre, N.Y. - Graduate student Matt Lane set a new single-game rebound record with 23 in Molloy's 108-78 victory over the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds this afternoon from Bob Houlihan Court. The win secures Molloy's spot in the 2024-25 East Coast Conference Tournament as the six-seed and they Lions will face Queens College on Wednesday (Mar. 5) for the quarterfinal round.

How it Happened

• It remained a one-possession game through the opening five minutes of play. A 14-3 run from Molloy that saw four points from sophomore Rob Matos, four from senior Mick Browne, and three from both junior Payton Shumpert and sophomore Bryce Merchant put the home squad in front, 23-11.
• The Firebirds netted the next seven points to come within five with just over 10 minutes to play.
• One minute later, Molloy put together a 12-2 run including eight-straight points from Shumpert to go ahead 37-22 with just under seven minutes remaining in the first half.
• The Lions' lead would increase to as much as 21 at the break, 52-31.
• The second half kicked off with four three-pointers for the Lions via Shumpert, Matos, and Merchant to lead 64-40.
• UDC was held to just 17 field goals in the second half and Molloy's lead would get to as high as 37, 102-65.

Top Performances

• Matos led with 25 points and two steals.
• Shumpert hit five three-pointers en route to 19 points and three assists.
• Merchant shot 60 percent and totaled 16 points, five rebounds, and matched a career-high four assists.
• Browne totaled 10 points and four rebounds and topped the Lions with six assists.
• Freshman Sebastian Bosquez had a career-high 11 points. 
• Lane's record-breaking performance came as a double-double, adding 10 points to his 23 boards while also putting up two blocks and two assists.

Up Next
Molloy will compete in the ECC Tournament for the eighth time in nine seasons. The quest for ECC gold begins on Wednesday (Mar. 5) at Queens College. The time is to be announced. Continue to visit www.molloylions.com for all updates.