Kozul Lifts Molloy Past Xaverian

         

         Marco Kozul poured in 32 points for the Stanners. His effort combined with several key plays down the stretch helped Molloy to a convincing 68-49 win over the Clippers yesterday.

         Following their terrific road win at Holy Cross on Friday the Stanners jumped out to an early lead behind Kozul who dominated the backboards against the young Clippers who were again hampered by early foul trouble for talented sophomore center Latek Lainey. Kozul's tough work under the basket was perfectly augmented by the passing and shooting of C.J. Davis and a terrific spark off the bench from senior reserve guard Isaiah Tucker whose shot making and playmaking were essential to the Stanners quick start.

         The Stanners extended a double digit halftime lead to as many as 17 points early in the third quarter.  Xaverian finally found their 3 point shooting stroke and with the help of key baskets by senior Joe Della Russo and soph Sayon Charles cut the lead to 7 in the final period. But after the Clippers secured a rebound and had a chance to slice the Stanners lead further, Davis made a huge steal and threw a perfect pass ahead for a basket.  From there the Stanners closed the deal, without the dramatic overtime they needed Friday against Holy Cross.

`                 Christ the King and Cardinal Hayes have been established as league favorites since the preseason. But in this league there is always a team or two laying in the weeds waiting to spring an upset. Molloy, with Kozul's toughness and motor combined with improving perimeter play may be one of those teams coming down the stretch and in the playoffs.