Purple Knights News

January 16, 2008

Basketball Teams Drop NE-10 Doubleheader At Merrimack


NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Saint Michael's College men's and women's basketball teams dropped a Northeast-10 Conference doubleheader at Merrimack College on Wednesday, with the women suffering a 65-57 setback in the opener, and the men losing in the nightcap, 84-75.

In the women's contest, Merrimack (5-13, 1-11 NE-10) picked up its first league win of the season behind 19 points from Kara Borelli.

For the Purple Knights (9-6, 6-5 NE-10), sophomore Michelle Otey (Southborough, Mass) recorded a team-best 10 points and nine rebounds, while junior Anna Florent (Fort Wayne, Ind.) added nine points off the bench. Saint Michael's led 30-28 at halftime, but the Warriors shot 50 percent from the field in the second half to earn the comeback win.

In the men's game, Darren Duncan had 26 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals to lead Merrimack (10-6, 5-6 NE-10) to the victory.

For Saint Michael's (6-9, 4-7 NE-10), senior Brian Monahan (Kinderhook, N.Y.) tallied a team-high 25 points and nine rebounds, hitting 12-of-20 shots from the field. Junior Mike Iola (West Newbury, Mass.) added a career-high 21 points, while senior James Sorrentine (Pawtucket, R.I.) and sophomore Ryan Rodrigues (Acushnet, Mass.) chipped in with 11 points apiece. Saint Michael's has lost its last eight contests.

The Purple Knights return to action on Saturday with a home doubleheader versus the University of Massachusetts Lowell at the Ross Sports Center (women at 1:30 p.m., men at 3:30 p.m.).