Not the hype and attention of The Game to come, but a league game nonetheless. Yesterday, Mercy routed Institute of Notre Dame, 73-23, in IAAM A-Conference basketball, in Baltimore, in the first of two meetings.

 

The big game for these two long-time rivals isn’t until later in the season. They will meet on Friday, January 25th at Towson Center, before a usual packed house. But the two teams do meet twice each season, and the opening round took place yesterday.

 

Mercy (1-1, 3-1) jumped out early and never looked back, as the Magic posted its second 50-point win of the season. Mercy had defeated B-Conference John Carroll by nearly the identical score, 76-26, last week.

 

On Tuesday, Mercy put up a 35-12 first half, and then tacked on a 38-11 second half. Ten different players scored for Coach Mary Ella Marion, led by sophomore G Ava Trageser with 12 points. Senior point-guard Khadija Mitchell was also in double figures with 10.

 

Junior guard Mary Stefanski had nine points, and juniors Melinda Kane and Mary McKay added eight apiece.

 

Mercy hosts Roland Park Country today, and then travels to Towson Catholic for a key match-up on Friday.

 

IND dropped to 0-2 in the conference. It looks to be a rebuilding year for Coach Tully Sullivan and team.  This loss comes on the heels of a 44-point loss to Towson catholic. The Indians lost several guards to graduation, and will feel the loss of forward Akilah Sewell, who transferred to City College. Yesterday, junior F Jordan Bateson led the way 13 points.

 

Only time will tell, but January’s version of The Game could prove to be closer in the final score, as the much-anticipated game before a sell-out crowd often brings out the best in both teams, making for a hard-fought contest, regardless of record.

 

Mercy 73, IND 23

IND – Jones 2, Kolb 4, Bateson 13, Ervin 2, Rochester 2. Totals: 9 5-10 23. M – Mitchell 10, McKay 8, Matthews 5, Shropshire 7, Zikorus 4, Stefanski 9, Marion 4, Abell 6, Trageser 12, Kane 8. Totals: 30 9-17 73. Half: M, 35-12.

 

by Mike Buchanan