DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. - - A 10-3 spurt in overtime sent the Wilmington University men's basketball team to a 69-62 nonconference victory on the road at Mercy College, stopping a three-game losing streak in the process on Wednesday night.
Back-to-back buckets by Shaq Monroe-Gaskins, including a dunk to start the scoring kick-started the Wildcats (4-7 overall) in the extra period. Also aided by a pair of blocks on the defensive end by Ta'Vaune Griffin, the Wildcats raced out to a six point lead in overtime before hitting all four of their free-throws down to stretch to come away victorious.
Wilmington took its largest lead of the contest half way through the first half, turning a 5-2 deficit into a 14-5 lead, capped by a layup by Tyrik Gass with 11:10 to play.
But the Mavericks (0-7) instantly responded with an 8-0 run of their own, eventually tying the match at 16-16 at the 6:28 mark of the first half. The run continued for the home team as the Mavericks took the as large as a four point lead with 5:02 remaining.
Senior Herb Dennis flipped the score once again in favor of the Wildcats in the first half, moving them ahead for good in the opening 20 minutes with a layup with 2:43 to play. Now leading 28-26, Valentino Thompson started a 5-0 run with a layup before Dusan Koijic converted an old fashioned three-point play for the final points of the half, with the Wildcats leading 33-26.
Mercy battled back in the second half, however, taking a lead at 39-38 with 14:13 to play. The score went back and forth, trading hands three more times while also being tied four times in the second half.
Tied at 57-57, Monroe-Gaskins gave the Wildcats the lead with a layup with 2:05 to play, but a Mercy layup by Olajide Keshinro retied the match with 1:30 showing on the clock. The Mavericks missed three shots down the stretch while the Wildcats turned the ball over twice, forcing the game into the overtime period.
Griffin finished with his third double-double, all coming in the past four games, with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Dennis finished with a game high 15 points while Thompson nearly added his own double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Wildcats return home for their next contest, as they get back into Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday. The team will host CACC South Division rival Holy Family starting at 3 p.m.
Team will also be holding their annual Alumni Game prior to Saturday's game starting at 12 p.m. at the WU Athletics Complex. Fans are also encourages to bring monetary donations to the game to help the team buy toys for the University's partnership in CBS 3's Joy of Sharing Annual Toy Drive.