Quinnipiac takes down undefeated Marist 59-55 in overtime

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Photos: Liz Flynn

Thomas Senerchia

The Marist Red Foxes entered Monday’s game fresh off a stunning 19-point victory over Quinnipiac the day before, and looked to further extend their 17-game MAAC winning streak dating back to last season.

The Bobcats had other plans.

Led by the dominant trio of Mackenzie DeWees (20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists), Amani Free (15 points, 5 rebounds) and Rose Caverly (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists), the Bobcats took down the undefeated Red Foxes in overtime 59-55 to bring their record back up to .500.

The Bobcats fought a hard, defensive game, as they looked to redeem themselves coming off Sunday’s loss.

The game was back and forth from opening tip to the final whistle, with seven lead changes and six ties throughout. Quinnipiac looked dominant heading into halftime, but let their nine-point lead slip away, setting up a tight fourth quarter.

Ultimately enough, regulation wasn’t enough time or these two teams, as Caverly hit a floater with one second left to tie the game at 50.

Quinnipiac shot 79 percent from the free-throw line as a team, a number which ultimately played a big factor in a game with 43 total fouls. The trio of DeWees, Free and Caverly were a combined 10-13 from the line.

Overtime featured plenty of this Bobcat trio, specifically a DeWees dime to a wide open Free under the basket to take the lead with one minute left.

Home-court advantage normally plays a huge role in close, important games like this one. But with COVID-19 still a factor, the emphatic Quinnipiac community crowd no longer plays a role in games. However, Caverly said the Bobcats bench has been a driving force for them late in games, becoming a mini-crowd of their own.

The Bobcats will look to build off this strong, early-season win, and perhaps even set the tone for the rest of the season. Quinnipiac improves to 3-3 in MAAC play as Marist falls to 3-1. Both teams will enjoy a few days of rest before their next game Saturday, Jan. 9. Quinnipiac plays at home against Siena, while Marist heads back home to face Manhattan.