Posted: Mar 09, 2019
Bridgeport, Conn. - The third-seeded men's basketball team overcame a 12-point deficit with 10 minutes remaining to upset second-seeded Saint Thomas Aquinas College, 73-72, in the semifinal round of the East Coast Conference tournament. The Lions advance to the program's second appearance in the finals in three seasons.
How it Happened
- The score was tied three times in the opening six minutes of play, with neither team pulling in front by more than four points until a three-pointer from junior Nick Corbett put the Lions in front 35-29 with five minutes to play in the first half.
- The Spartans would come within one with 44 seconds on the clock, but the maroon and white carried a 36-34 lead into the locker room.
- The score was tied two more times in the first two minutes of the second half.
- A 9-0 run from STAC gave the Spartans a seven-point lead, 45-38, with 15:35 on the clock.
- The lead extended to as much as 12, 56-44, with 9:59 left to play.
- The maroon and white put together a 15-3 run to knot the score at 59 with 6:24 remaining.
- The teams exchanged possession of the lead until the score became tied, 69-69, with 2:11.
- A three-pointer from senior Mike Torre and a made free throw from Corbett put the Lions in front, 74-69, with 1:21 on the clock.
- The Spartans hit a three-pointer with 50 seconds left to play to come within one, 73-72, but the Molloy defense held strong through the final seconds to complete the upset and advance to the Championship game.
Top Performances
- Corbett scored a game-high 25 points, adding four assists and three rebounds.
- Torre netted 17 points while adding four rebounds and two assists.
- Senior Derrick Okunpolor led with seven rebounds and three blocks.
- Senior Curtis Jenkins added four assists.
Looking Ahead
Molloy will face #4 University of Bridgeport tomorrow (Mar. 10) for the 2019 East Coast Conference Championship at 2:30 p.m. from Bridgeport, Conn.
