Box Score

BUFFALO, NY - The Medaille College men's basketball team got off to a sluggish start and trailed by as many as eleven points in the opening half.  However, a strong second half on both ends of the floor would see the Mavs fortunes change as they outlasted AMCC foe Pitt-Bradford (74-65).

The Mavs found themselves down (11-2) less than four minutes into play as the Panthers knocked down five of their first six shots, while the Mavs were just (1 for 5) at the time.  That lead would stretch to eleven at (28-17) with (5:36) to play in the opening half.  The Panthers would carry a (33-26) advantage into the half.

Coming out of the intermission the visitors would connect on an early three-pointer to get their double digit lead back, but the Mavs would score the next eight points to draw within two (36-34).  The teams would trade mini momentum swings over the next twelve minutes until the Mavs began to impose their will and draw closer and closer.

The game changed with eight minutes to play when Jammal Coleman slashed into the lane for a layup to draw within one point.  He was fouled on the play and knocked down the free throw to give the Mavs their first tie since the opening tip of the game. 

On the ensuing possession the Mavs defense forced the Panthers into a desperation three point attempt as the shot clock was winding down, Coleman would get a piece of the shot and the Mavs would gain possession .  The Mavs would come down the floor and have Alex Baron drive the post and kick the ball out to Anthony Battaglia who knocked down the open three for the Mavs first lead of the game at (57-54) with (7:07) remaining.  The Mavs would never trail again.

It was a game that saw both teams shoot the ball well as Medaille finished at (50.9%) overall and (44.4%) from beyond the arc.  Pitt-Bradford shot (48.1%) from the floor and (40.0%) from long range.  The Mavs won the game despite struggling from the free throw line, connecting on just (10 of 17) tries from the charity stripe (58.8%).

Coleman continued his strong play as he poured in a game high (24) points on (9 of 15) shooting which included a pair of three pointers on consecutive possessions which seemingly put the game out of reach late.  He also matched a team high with (5) rebounds and dished out (2) assists as well.

A pair of seniors played critical roles in the comeback win as Battaglia was (3 for 6) from beyond the arc, finishing with (13) points while Josh Laureano dished out a game best (8) assists.  Also chipping in with a double digit point night was Baron who knocked down (4 of 8) shots for (11) points and gathering in (5) caroms as well.

The Mavs were able to outscore the Panthers in the paint (26-14) and the Maverick bench was crucial in the win, outscoring the Panther reserves (22-7).

The win is the fifth straight for Medaille and pushes them to (10-6) overall and (7-2) in AMCC play.  They will get back to action on Saturday (1/19) when they host the AMCC's top team, Mt. Aloysius, at 3:00pm.  The Mavs will be looking to exact some revenge on the Mounties who upended Medaille (76-52) in their fisrt meeting earlier this season.

SEASON STATS