Mooney got things rolling early for the Mount, scoring 19 points on 7 for 14 shooting during the first half, but a pesky Polytechnic team kept the game close with the Dolphins leading 38-32 at halftime after they opened the game with leads of 9-0 and 11-2. The Mount held an eight-point lead twice during the second half, but Polytechnic battled back to make it a game. Mount Saint Vincent clinched the win by hitting all eight of their free throws during the final two minutes of play, four of which were converted by Mooney, who broke the 20-point mark for the 11th time in 15 games this season.
When Mooney was slowed down by Polytechnic during the second half, Casey and Petrucelli heated up, combining for 17 of their 24 points during the game’s final 20 minutes. 11 of their 24 combined points came during the crucial final five minutes of play.
Overall, the Dolphins struggled on the boards with the Fighting Blue Jays outrebounding the Mount, 30-21, but Mount Saint Vincent converted 49% of their field goal attempts, while Polytechnic shot only 40% from the floor. The Mount also had a decisive edge in turnovers, committing only 16, while the hosts turned the ball over 23 times. Mooney had a game-high five steals, and now has 45 this season.
Mount Saint Vincent returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 14 when they host defending Skyline Conference Champion, Mount Saint Mary at 1:00 p.m.
Newspaper Box Score CMSV-M vs Polytechnic University 1/12/06 7:00PM at Polytechnic University At Polytechnic University CMSV-M 72, POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 68 CMSV-M MOONEY, James 8-21 5-7 25; CASEY, Greg 4-9 2-2 12; PETRUCELLI, Corey 6-10 0-0 12; HERNANDEZ, Charles 3-5 0-0 7; CHARLTON, Derek 3-4 1-2 7; BIOLSI, Tim 1-2 0-0 3; HERCHE, Jarrett 1-2 0-2 2; CHAMBERS, Brian 1-2 0-0 2; BRITZ, Charlie 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 28-57 8-13 72. POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY Smiley, Dale 6-11 0-0 16; Williams, Tahiem 5-11 2-2 14; Leibel, Robbie 3-10 1-1 8; Ivezaj, Lindon 3-6 2-2 8; Jean, Christopher 2-7 0-0 6; Nokaly, Omar 2-6 1-2 6; Williams, Tyree 2-8 2-2 6; Washingston, Joshua 2-4 0-0 4. Totals 25-63 8-9 68. CMSV-M........................ 38 34 - 72 Polytechnic University........ 32 36 - 68 3-point goals-CMSV-M 8-22 (MOONEY, James 4-11; CASEY, Greg 2-6; HERNANDEZ, Charles 1-3; BIOLSI, Tim 1-2), Polytechnic University 10-26 (Smiley, Dale 4-7; Williams, Tahiem 2-4; Jean, Christopher 2-5; Nokaly, Omar 1-3; Leibel, Robbie 1-5; Washingston, Joshua 0-1; Williams, Tyree 0-1). Fouled out--CMSV-M-None, Polytechnic University-Jean, Christopher; Williams, Tyree. Rebounds-CMSV-M 21 (CASEY, Greg 6), Polytechnic University 30 (Leibel, Robbie 5; Williams, Tahiem 5; Ivezaj, Lindon 5). Assists-CMSV-M 19 (CASEY, Greg 6), Polytechnic University 22 (Jean, Christopher 8). Total fouls-CMSV-M 11, Polytechnic University 15.