Box Score  
 
Rochester, N.Y. - (11/18/2017) – Chestnut Hill College conquered their first season victory tonight in a grueling double-overtime match against Mercy College at the Redhawks Alumni Classic. The Griffins took an early lead during the first half but the Mavericks forced the Scarlet and Gold into two extended periods in the very last seconds of the second half. Two last second fouls drove Chestnut Hill College into the two five-minute periods. Five Griffins scored in double-figures, junior guard Liban Awl (Manassas, Va.), senior guard Demetrius Issac's (Philadelphia, Pa.), junior guard Cartier Talford (Reading, Pa.), junior forward Tony Toplyn Jr. (Sickerlville, N.J.), and freshman guard Rich Dean Jr. (Bensalem, Pa.) aiding the Griffins in its 115-109 victory. Awl headlined in scoring with a 28 point performance while Talford recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

Chestnut Hill College (1-2) got off to a roaring start edging Mercy College (1-2) 14-8 at 12:39.  With 3:09 left in half, the Griffins were still in control of the game, 39-30, but the Mavericks kept within arm's reach until the very end, 42-39.
 
During the second half, Chestnut Hill College extended their lead by 14, 67-53 with 11:12 remaining. Despite the deficit Mercy College did not let the Griffins escape easily and cut the margin down to two points, 75-73 at 5:18 following two free throws. A Talford three gave the Griffins a little more space to breathe 78-75 4:53, but the Mavericks refusal to let up tested the Scarlet and Gold until the final seconds. The score is now 83-82 with seven-seconds left in the affair, a last second foul at the three-point line sent junior forward Dequawne Richards (Bronx, N.Y.) to the line making three successful free throws tying the affair 85-85. Isaac attempted a final second shot for a heroic buzzer beater but was unsuccessful forcing the match into its first overtime.
 
In the first overtime period the Griffins were up 100-96 with seven-seconds till their victory but Chestnut Hill College repeated their same offense from the last half, putting a Mercy College player to the free throw line after a made three-pointer. Richards made the free throw tying the affair 100-100 forcing yet another five-minutes of play.
 
The two teams were tied at 104-104 (3:40) of the second overtime when an Isaac three-pointer gave the Griffins the push the Scarlet and Gold needed to slowly pull away. Chestnut Hill College maintained their lead until the very end cementing their first win, 115-109.

Richards gallant efforts to keep Mercy College in the game consisted of 34 points going 13-of-25 on a .520 shooting percentage, 13 rebounds, and two blocks. Junior guard Sal Barbetto (New York City, N.Y.) followed his teammate with 24 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Three other Mavericks posted eight points in the 115-109 loss.
In addition to Awl's 28 points on a .400 shooting percentage, he went 11-of-11 from the free throw line, four assists, and two steals for Chestnut Hill College. Cartier's double-double was accompanied with five assists and two steals while Isaac added 25 points and eight assists. Dean chipped in 18 points while Toplyn Jr. headlined for the frontcourt, scoring 15 points on a 1.000 shooting percentage and grabbed eight boards in the Griffin's win.
 
Chestnut Hill College will continue their Redhawks Alumni Classic tournament journey Sunday, November 19, against Roberts Wesleyan College. Tip-off scheduled at 4:00 p.m.