DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – Delaware Valley men's basketball built a 31-point first-half lead and never looked back in a 78-57 victory over the Misericordia Cougars on Tuesday night.
Brian Mordi found Kamal Johnson off the opening tip for an early three-pointer, and after early baskets from both teams, Antonio Redding ended a brief scoring drought with a jumper. Following a tie at seven, Mike Herrin converted two free throws before recording a steal and fastbreak layup. Johnson extended the lead to double digits with another three after a steal by Jake McGinty, though Townsend answered with a triple for the Cougars.
Herrin continued to apply pressure defensively, while Brendon Bradford sparked the transition game with back-to-back steals that led to baskets by Zach Smith and Mike Herrin. After Gallagher converted two free throws to make it 15-15 with 6:56 remaining, the Aggies took control. Delaware Valley capitalized on five more turnovers, using baskets from MarQuel Fitzgerald, Johnson, Smith, and Redding to fuel a 24-0 run and take a 46-15 advantage into halftime.
Misericordia opened the second half with fresh personnel, and Orloff's jumper was answered by a three from Jeremiah Lee. Gallagher tried to spark a comeback, but Mordi responded with a dunk off a feed from Redding. Smith's offensive rebound helped preserve the large lead, though the Cougars briefly cut into the margin with an 11-2 run.
Herrin reached the 1,000-point milestone for his collegiate career during the second half, including 60 points scored at the JUCO level. Mordi followed with a four-point play, draining a three while being fouled. Caleb Johnson added a triple, and Andy Webb Jr. finished with a dunk to make it 77-47 with three minutes remaining. Misericordia continued to score from the free-throw line late but could not close the gap.
The win snapped an eight-game skid for the Aggies, improving them to 9-15 overall and 3-10 in MAC Freedom play. Delaware Valley will host the Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen on Saturday, Feb. 21, for Senior Day with a 3:00 p.m. tipoff.
