BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (2-9, 2-2 ECC) fell to Saint Michael's (6-5, 1-1 NE10), 78-73, on Sunday night at the Saints Center Gym. The Saints recorded nine steals and seven blocks during the game but could not overcome Saint Michael's 10 three-pointers.
Marko Milivojevic led the team with 13 points, converting six of eight field goal attempts, and contributed defensively with three blocks.
Nathan Andrice also tallied 13 points, making five of seven shots and adding three offensive rebounds.
Maxence Massadila facilitated the offense with seven assists and collected three steals.
Dawson Matsell impacted the game defensively by recording four steals and adding seven rebounds.
The Saints opened the first half with
Sean Reynolds converting a fast-break jumper. Despite an early basket, they faced a scoring challenge as Saint Michael's extended their lead with several 3-pointers.
Trayton Trice contributed with his first block at to start the half, but turnovers limited their opportunities.
The team then found rhythm through free throws, with Matsell sinking two at towards the start of the second half. Massadila added an assist to a fast-break layup by LaShard Lowry Jr. , narrowing the gap to six. However, Saint Michael's maintained pressure with consistent shooting, leading 40–29 at the end of the half.
D'Youville began the second half with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by a Trice block which prevented Saint Michael's from extending their lead. Massadila then fueled the offense with multiple assists, contributing to a 3-pointer by Reynolds at that narrowed the gap to 45-34.
The Saints continued to press with off of
Elisha Warren's defensive rebound at hat set up a 3-pointer by Lucas Brown at, cutting the deficit to 48-39. D'Youville were able to capitalize on turnovers, with Massadila's steal at leading to a fastbreak layup, bringing the score to within single digits.
In the closing minutes, Andrice's offensive rebound and tip-in at 00:12 maintained pressure, reducing the lead to 74-71. Despite a late dunk by Milivojevic at 00:04, the Saints finished the game trailing 78-73.
Looking ahead, the Saints will travel to face Frostburg State University on Monday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. The matchup will take place in Frostburg, Maryland.
