Manhattanville Tops Mount Saint Mary, Knights Drop Second Skyline Game

Manhattanville University rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Mount Saint Mary College 63 to 58 in Newburgh on December 17, ending the Knights final Skyline Conference game before winter break on a disappointing note for local supporters. Mount Saint Mary carried a slim advantage into the fourth quarter but made only two of 13 field goal attempts in the period, converting 15.38 percent, while Manhattanville shot 8 of 14 and outscored the Knights 20 to 11 in the decisive frame.

The game was a tug of war through three quarters. Both teams struggled early, and Mount Saint Mary did not score until Gabby Ziegenbalg checked into the game and hit a three. The first quarter closed with the Knights trailing 13 to 12. Ziegenbalg then supplied a burst of offense in the second quarter, scoring Mount Saint Mary s first 12 points of the period and hitting three shots from beyond the arc to lift the Knights to their largest lead at 24 to 17. Mount Saint Mary still led at halftime 30 to 29.

Sara Cashin was central to the Knights offense, drawing nine free throw attempts and keeping Mount Saint Mary in the game at the line. Reese Mayer and Cashin combined to provide a steady scoring presence early, and Brianna Guglielmo opened the second half with a steal and a three pointer as the Knights built a seven point cushion after a Maggie Trinkaus three.

That margin vanished late as Manhattanville closed strongly. Mount Saint Mary managed only one made basket in the first 6 minutes and 35 seconds of the fourth quarter, allowing the visitors to seize a 56 to 54 lead and then hold on. The final five point margin reflected the Knights failure to convert perimeter and inside attempts in crunch time rather than a lack of effort defensively.

For Orange County basketball fans the loss raises immediate concerns about shooting consistency and late game execution as the college pauses competition for the holidays. With the team now losing consecutive conference games, coaches and supporters will be looking for sharper shot selection and better fourth quarter offense when play resumes in the new year.