DOBBS FERRY, NY – The College of Staten Island women's basketball team hit the road Saturday afternoon to continue East Coast Conference (ECC) play, traveling to Dobbs Ferry, NY, to face Mercy University. After a tightly contested first half that ended tied at 23, the Mavericks posted 24 points in the third quarter to pull away and hand the Dolphins a 66-50 defeat.
With the loss, CSI falls to 7-11 overall and 3-4 in conference play.
The opening quarter featured a slow scoring start on both ends, with Shonyae Edmonds scoring the first points of the contest nearly three minutes into regulation. From there, both teams traded baskets, with Mercy edging ahead 12-9 at the end of the first on an and-one opportunity.
In the second quarter, the Dolphins found their rhythm, outscoring the hosts 14-11 before the break. Arielle Barnes brought CSI within one at 12-11, but the Mavericks briefly pushed the lead back to five at 16-11. Giulana Dito knocked down a three-pointer to keep the Dolphins within reach at 17-16, and Kyra Rose later gave CSI the lead with a fastbreak bucket and ensuing free throw to make it 21-19. Jasanii Francis-Torres extended the Dolphins' advantage to four, but Mercy closed the half strong to even the score at 23 heading into halftime.
The hosts came out of intermission firing, opening the third quarter on an 8-0 run and outscoring CSI 24-13 in the period. Edmonds halted the run with a basket to make it 31-25, but despite efforts from Edmonds and Rose, Mercy continued to build its lead, eventually stretching it to 14. Late in the quarter, CSI cut into the deficit with a Dana Phelan three-pointer and another and-one conversion from Rose, trimming the margin to 46-36. However, the Mavericks entered the fourth quarter holding an 11-point advantage.
CSI continued to battle in the final stanza but was outscored 19-14, allowing Mercy to secure the ECC victory and seal the 66-50 final.
Rose led all scorers with 21 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. Edmonds recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Barnes finished with seven points and Phelan added five.
The Dolphins return home to the Tank on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to host their final non-conference matchup of the season against Caldwell University, with tip-off set for 5:30 PM.
GAME REPLAY
