Riverdale, NY - The College of Mount Saint Vincent's men's basketball team returned to their home floor for the first time since New Year's Eve when they took on Old Westbury in just their third Skyline Conference matchup this season.
The Dolphins opened up the game on fire on the offensive end, as they led by as much as seven points (9-2 score) in the early minutes. The Panthers battled back on offense in their own right, but CMSV's early lead was able to keep the distance wide between both sides. That theme continued when sophomore Kalos Evans buried a big three pointer to bring the score to 18-11 with just over 13 minutes to play in the half. From there, the Panthers scored on three straight possessions to bring the Dolphins' lead to one. Evans once again had other plans, as a hard drive to the lane converted into two points to get his team's lead back to three. Classmates Dorian Robinson and Kelvin Turner-Harris continued the offensive surge for the Dolphins, as they combined for six points in back-to-back possessions. Unfortunately for the home team, Old Westbury turned the jets on before time expired in the half, as they gained a four-point lead due to forced turnovers and tough baskets falling.
CMSV's strong offense was highlighted by a 56% first half shot percentage. Evans led the way with nine points while Raiquis Harris added eight of his own. Robinson and Turner-Harris came off the bench and combined for 12 points. Makai Johnson impressed on the boards with five first half rebounds.
Old Westbury opened the second half with five straight points to bring their lead to nine. But Evans alone would go shot for shot with the Panthers, as he scored five straight to keep the Dolphins within striking distance. Down seven with just over 10 minutes to go, it was time for Harris to do his best part in taking over, scoring five straight points to bring the deficit within single digits. The Dolphins continued to push the ball, as a steal and an and-one conversion from Harris made it a one point game. Just seconds later, Vinny Tavella tied things up at 78 apiece when he knocked down one of his two free throws. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, a late step back jumper put the end to their comeback, ultimately resulting in the five point loss.
For the Dolphins, it was Harris who paced all scorers with 27 while also adding three rebounds and two assists. Evans had an efficient night, going nine for 13 from the floor, good for 21 points. Qwame Thompson had a team-high four assists while Mamadou Mariko was the lone Dolphin with double digit rebounds (10).
With this game in the rearview mirror, CMSV will set their sights on St. Joseph's College-Brooklyn. They'll travel there on Thursday with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 PM.
