Bridgeport, Conn. — Despite putting four players in double figures, the UB men’s basketball team couldn’t hit shots down the stretch and fell to the Mercy Flyers by a 72-66 final on Valentines Day as the Flyers gave no love to the Purple Knights and swept the regular-season series.
Mercy was led by Kevin Green with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double in 36 minutes of play. Joining him with a double-double was Dominick Cuzzi with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kris Laurenceau also finished with double digits with 12 points. As a team, Mercy outrebounded Bridgeport by a 47-45 margin, something has happened only a handful of times all season as UB is ranked among the national leaders in rebounding margin.
The Purple Knights were led by a 17-point, 17-rebound, five-block performance from senior All-American candidate Ramel Allen. Allen also hit 5-of-7 shots from the free throw line, including four in the first half that helped the Purple Knights to a 35-32 lead at the break. Allen was joined in double figures by junior Kevin Jeffreys and Mike Rosario, as well as graduate student Terence Wilkins. Jeffreys had 16 on just 6-of-16 shooting from the field and Rosario had 16 points, three assists and two steals. Wilkins finished with 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting. UB shot 41 percent for the game, compared to 38.5 for the Flyers.
UB is now 16-7 overall, 14-6 in the NYCAC and remains in the hunt for a home first-round NYCAC playoff game. Mercy improves to 11-11 overall and 11-9 in the NYCAC and stays in the league playoff race with the victory.