Southern Connecticut Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Mercy
DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Southern Connecticut’s men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 79-76 victory against Mercy. This win wraps up their last non-conference game of the 2025-2026 season, bringing their record to 5-4.
Justice Ellison stood out, achieving his third consecutive double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, plus three steals. He has been a key player, scoring in double figures in every game this season. Cherif Diarra also shone, posting a double-double with a personal best of 16 points and 18 rebounds, along with three blocks. Not to be outdone, Jahlil Bethea added 11 points while Kazell Steward contributed 10 points off the bench, matching Diarra in blocks.
The game started strong for Southern, rushing to a 10-2 lead, largely thanks to Ellison’s seven points in the opening minutes. The team’s defense was relentless, holding Mercy to single digits for the first eight minutes and amassing nine blocks overall. They dominated on the boards, out-rebounding Mercy 50 to 32. Even as Mercy found their rhythm late in the first half, Southern maintained a solid lead, going into halftime up by 12.
The second half saw a spirited comeback from the Mavericks, who narrowed the gap to three points. Southern managed to stabilize their game, with valuable contributions from Stewart. Ellison, Diarra, and Stewart worked together to reclaim a double-digit lead. Despite Mercy’s late push, Southern sealed the win by scoring critical free throws in the final moments.
Looking ahead, Southern Connecticut will start conference play this weekend against Bentley on January 4th.
Insights and Trends
In recent seasons, college basketball has seen a rise in scoring averages. According to the NCAA, scoring has increased steadily, with teams averaging over 70 points per game in the latest season. This trend reflects a shift towards faster gameplay and more three-pointers.
Expert analysts suggest that teams like Southern Connecticut, which focus on strong defense and rebounding, are well-positioned to adapt to this changing landscape. “Defensive strategies are more crucial than ever as offenses become more dynamic,” says basketball analyst Dr. Mike Johnson.
Fans on social media have praised Ellison’s performance, with hashtags like #JusticeForMVP gaining traction. Many believe he could be a leading candidate for player of the year if he continues this level of play.
Southern Connecticut’s blend of defense, teamwork, and individual talent sets an exciting tone as they embark on the next phase of their season.
