THE BASICS:

- Score: Molloy 70, Assumption 68

- Record: Molloy (5-6), Assumption (2-9)

- Location: Worcester, Mass. (Laska Gymnasium)

The Lead: Assumption was tied 32 apiece at the half and took a three-point lead early in the second, but Molloy was able to pull in front and eventually held off a late rally, including a three with one second left, to escape Laska Gymnasium with a 70-68 non-conference victory on Friday afternoon.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

- Assumption fell behind 9-1 in the opening five minutes, before a Marcus Murray (Washington, D.C. / John F. Kennedy) connected on a shot from downtown to cut the deficit to five. The Hounds tied the game two minutes later at nine apiece, however, the Lions used a run to pull in front 19-13 midway through the half.

- Molloy led 26-18 on a Jaylen Morris jumper with seven minutes left, however, a Damien Rance (Melbourne, Australia / Pope John XXIII) layup started an Assumption run. The Hounds outscored the Lions 14-4 over the next seven minutes to eventually grab a 32-30 lead on a layup by Branislav Vujadinovic (Belgrade, Serbia / St. Joseph) with 11 seconds left in the half. The lead didn't last as Nick Corbett made a jumper at the buzzer to pull the visitors even.

- Assumption came out firing to start the second, as a three from Vujadinovic and a Declan Soukup (Melbourne, Australia / Hallam Senior College) layup gave the Hounds a 39-36 lead two minutes into the period. Molloy drew even at 42 apiece and then went on a 12-5 run over the next seven minutes for a 54-47 advantage.

- Soukup ended the run with a free throw at 7:10 and pulled within three, 58-55, on two Murray free throws with 3:56 left. The Lions countered with a 7-2 run for a 65-57 lead with 1:08 remaining. Assumption pulled within four on a Murray three with 40 seconds left but Molloy extended their lead to 70-62 on four straight free throws with 14 seconds left. Murray and Justin Tuckson (Stafford, Va. / Christ Chapel Academy) both hit triples in the final 12 seconds but it was two little too late.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

- Assumption shot 37.3 percent from the floor and made 10 of 28 shots from downtown while Molloy connected on 48.3 percent of its attempts overall but was only 3 for 11 from beyond the arc.

- The Lions held a slight 39-35 rebounding edge, and outscored the Hounds 34-18 in the paint.

- Murray led three players in double figures with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals while Tuckson added 14 points and four assists off the bench.

- Rance provided a double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds and two steals while Soukup chipped in seven points, five assists and four rebounds.

- Charlie Marquardt led Molloy with 18 points and three assists while Morris had 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

UP NEXT:

- The Hounds return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 4, when they travel to face AIC at 7:30 pm.

STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on Assumption College Athletics, follow the Hounds via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.