DOBBS FERRY, NY – The College of Staten Island men's basketball team hit the road Saturday afternoon for an East Coast Conference (ECC) matchup against Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY. After a strong second-half surge by the hosts that forced overtime, the Dolphins were able to pull away in the extra minutes for a 103–98 victory, improving to 14–5 overall and 5–2 in ECC play.
The Mavericks opened the game on an 8–2 run before CSI responded. A three-pointer by JJ Chestnut and a bucket from Joey Poulin trimmed the deficit to 9–7, and moments later Eric Tynes gave the Dolphins their first lead at 13–11 with a triple of his own. Mercy battled back to tie the game three times, but another three, this one from Mitchell Wiggan, swung momentum back in CSI's favor.
As the first half dwindled into its final minutes, Asa Kone pushed the Dolphins to their largest lead of the frame at 10, 48–38, converting at the freethrow line. Mercy closed the half strong, cutting the deficit to seven, as CSI took a 50–43 lead into the break.
In the second half, the Mavericks outscored the Dolphins 45–38 to force the extra frame. CSI maintained a narrow edge throughout the half but with eight minutes remaining, Mercy pulled within two and eventually tied the game at 72, marking the first deadlock since the opening half. Aaron Goldstein helped CSI regain a slight advantage with a layup and a freethrow, but Mercy continued to apply pressure.
Following a missed CSI freethrow late in regulation, Mercy trailed by just two, 88–86, with seconds remaining. The Mavericks controlled the next possession and converted a jumper just inside the three point line with under 10-seconds to play, tying the game at 88 and sending it to overtime.
In the extra period, Mercy briefly took a four-point lead, 94–90, before Goldstein took over. He scored five straight points on a layup and a three pointer to knot the game at 96, then gave CSI the lead for good moments later. Goldstein and Chestnut sealed the win at the line, going a combined 4-5 to close out the 103–98 victory.
Goldstein led all scorers with 29 points and added four assists. Kone followed with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Tynes finished with 16 points and led the team with four made three-pointers. Chestnut and Wiggan also reached double figures, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively. Poulin led on the boards with a career-high 13 rebounds.
The Dolphins return to action on Saturday, Jan. 24, when they travel to Rochester, NY, to face Roberts Wesleyan in another ECC matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
GAME REPLAY
