ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY –  The College of Staten Island men's basketball team looked to extend its winning streak against Molloy University on Saturday afternoon, as the Dolphins had won four straight meetings over the past two seasons. In a tightly contested matchup, CSI battled back from a deficit to force overtime, but ultimately fell to the Lions, 100–97, in an East Coast Conference (ECC) showdown.

In the event, the Dolphins set the record for the most rebounds in a single game with 55.

Eric Tynes opened the scoring with a three-pointer to give the Dolphins an early edge. Molloy quickly answered with a triple of its own, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle. The score was tied two more times early in regulation behind baskets from Asa Kone, JJ Chestnut, and Tynes, before the Lions took a four-point lead, 22–18.

Another three from Tynes cut the deficit to one, 22–21, but Molloy responded from beyond the arc to maintain its advantage. Aaron Goldstein connected on his first three of the afternoon to make it 25–24, though the Lions soon stretched their lead to eight with just over five minutes remaining in the half. CSI closed strong, trimming the margin to three, 41–38, at the break.

Molloy stayed hot to open the second half, knocking down a three to go up 44–38. The Lions' lead eventually reached double digits, peaking at 11 with 15 minutes remaining. Mitchell Wiggan provided a spark for the Dolphins with a quick layup to make it 54–45, followed by Goldstein going 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Although Molloy pushed the lead back to 11, Goldstein's three-pointer kept CSI within striking distance.

At the 10-minute mark, Chestnut brought the Dolphins within three, 61–58, and Wiggan soon made it a one-point game. After Molloy converted a pair of free throws, Goldstein tied the contest at 68, marking CSI's first tie since the opening half. The teams traded leads down the stretch, and regulation ended knotted at 87, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra period, Goldstein answered Molloy's opening basket with a three to give CSI a 90–89 lead. With one minute remaining, the score was tied at 95, but the Dolphins were held to just one more basket while the Lions closed out the game to secure the 100–97 victory.

Goldstein led all scorers with 31 points, adding seven assists and three steals. Chestnut recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, along with seven assists. Wiggan finished with 11 points, while Tynes added 18 points on four three-pointers. Kone narrowly missed a double-double with eight points and 11 rebounds.

The College of Staten Island men's basketball team (16–6, 7–3 ECC) returns to the Tank on Friday, Feb. 6, to host D'Youville University at 7:30 p.m.

GAME REPLAY