Riverdale, NY - Despite it not reflecting in the standings, the College of Mount Saint Vincent's men's basketball team entered their Skyline Conference matchup against SUNY Maritime playing their best brand of basketball. The Dolphins were looking to finally return to the win column and have their hard work reflect in the standings.
It was a defensive battle in the Peter Jay Sharp Center over the opening minutes, with the first basket of the game coming at the three minute mark when Qwame Thompson converted a layup. Maritime eventually found their groove on the offensive end, with their lead eventually building up to 12 points at the 10 minute mark. It was then when the Dolphins turned up their offensive output.
It started when sophomore Kalos Evans knocked down a contested three pointer to get his team within single digits. CMSV continued to battle, with senior standout Raiquis Harris scoring in consecutive possessions to bring the Privateers lead to seven. Junior Vinny Tavella and Harris hit two three pointers in a row to make it a one point game, capping off an 11-0 run for the Dolphins.
CMSV's impressive offensive run continued when Makai Johnson knocked down a corner three from Dorian Robinson to completely flip the game as it gave the Dolphins a six point lead. They ultimately entered the locker rooms at halftime up 31-26.
Harris came off the bench and led the Dolphins with 11 first half points. Thompson and Tavella combined for 11 of their own while Johnson and Mamadou Mariko paced the team with three rebounds each.
The first six minutes of the second half saw the Privateers regained their lead when they went on a 12-6 run. The Dolphins were able to climb out of their whole off the backs of Evans, Johnson and Tavella, who combined for 11 points to put their team back on top.
The Dolphins then found themselves trailing by four at the eight minute mark. Fortunately for CMSV, Harris drew a foul and knocked down both free throws, making it a one possession game with 7:47 to go. On the ensuing possession, Robinson made a pin point pass and found Harris in the corner for a long two, tying the game up once again. The two sides continued to trade baskets until Maritime went on another run, this time scoring nine straight points, making the score 59-50 with 3:43 to play.
The Dolphins began their comeback attempt at this point. Evans got to the free throw line and converted two of his attempts, which was then followed up by a Thompson offensive rebound and layup to make it 59-54 at the 2:18 mark. For the fourth straight possession, CMSV stopped Maritime from scoring. Harris then got the ball and, with a head full of steam, scored for the Dolphins, making it a one possession game with less than a minute to go.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, a failed play attempt with seconds on the clock sealed their fate, losing by the score of 59-56.
Harris, the team's top scorer, led the way once again with 19 points while also adding six boards, two assists and two steals. Both Evans (11) and Tavella (10) were the other Dolphins who finished in double figures while Thompson was tied with Harris for the team lead with six rebounds.
The Dolphins now sit at 5-12, which includes a 2-6 record within the conference. Their next matchup will take place this Thursday when they travel to Newburgh and take on Mount Saint Mary College.
