Strong foundation leads Molloy

After winning 13 of 18 games against East Coast Conference rivals last season on the way to an 18-10 record, Molloy College’s men’s basketball team began its 2013-14 ECC schedule on a positive note by knocking off Queens, 69-50, on Nov. 30.

“It’s a good start,” Lions head coach Charles Marquardt said. “Our foundation is back from last season, and our goal is to get to the NCAA’s like everyone else.”

Molloy, picked to finish third in the ECC coaches preseason poll, pulled away from Queens in the second half after holding a 26-25 lead at halftime. The Lions had four players score in double figures, led by senior forward John Petrucelli’s 23 points. Sophomore Brandon Williams added 13 points and five assists, senior Tyler Hammett chipped in 12 points, and junior Matt McLeod contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds.

“The league was good last season, but I think from top to bottom it improved,” Marquardt said. “We’re in good company being picked third behind Bridgeport and LIU Post. I also think Dowling belongs in the conversation. We have to go out and play well because nobody is going to hand us anything.”

Bringing back four starters and seven of their top eight scorers from a season ago gives the Lions (2-5 overall, 1-0 ECC) plenty of experience. Petrucelli, who averaged 14.8 points and 7.6 rebounds as a junior, is an honorable mention All-America. He’s off to a torrid start, averaging 21.7 points through seven games including a 32-point performance (10-for-21 from the field) in a 79-66 non-conference loss to Holy Family on Dec. 3.

“John’s our motor,” Marquardt said of the 6-foot-4 product from Hicksville. “He’s got a strong offensive game that got better from the perimeter. He’s always had his defense and rebounding. We’ve already seen him get more attention from opponents.”