Purchase, NY - The College of Mount Saint Vincent's best stretch of the 2022-23 season continued on Wednesday night when the Dolphins hit the road to take on Manhattanville College. Despite struggling offensively in the first half, CMSV put their best foot forward in the second half, as their offensive and defensive success combined to propel the Dolphins over the Valiants, 63-58. 

The Dolphins are now winners in four of their last five conference contest, putting their Skyline record at 5-4. 

CMSV got off to a slow start against the Valiants, trailing by as many as eight points while never taking a lead in the first half. The Dolphins battled despite playing from behind, as they continuously chipped away at the lead. James Mooney saw his offense's best stretch of the first half come at the eight minute mark. At that point, CMSV went on an 7-0 run, with reserves Sean Goodwin and Haven Smith combining for all of the points scored. 

The defense was one that kept the game close. The Dolphins allowed the Valiants to shoot just 36% from the floor while generating eight turnovers. Thanks to the team's efforts on that end of the floor, they trailed by just five points at the break. 

The Dolphins took their game to the next level over the duration of the second half. On defense, the team's zone scheme halted any success Manhattanville found in the scoring column, while simultaneously upping their offensive output. CMSV continued to cut into the deficit, with starters DIllon Hod, DJ Tucker and Joshua Cabezudo all converting shot attempts early on. A Dan Porcic three pointer at the 13:55 mark tied the game up for the first time, with a Cabezudo layup off a Tucker steal put the team on top at 41-39. 

The Valiants would get back on top, but the effort from the Dolphins continued. Hod knocked down his second three of the game to tie the score once more, and then scored a fast break layup after intercepting a pass to regain the lead for his team. Tucker and Hod would close out the win for the Dolphins, as they combined to score 13 of the team's final 15 points as the half came to a close. 

Hod, the sophomore from Great Neck, New York, had the best performance of his young career with a team high 18 points on five of eight shooting to go along with five steals and four boards. Tucker finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals and an assist while Cabezudo recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. 

The 8-9 Dolphins will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday when they host Purchase College.