The Saint Elizabeth University men's basketball team accomplished the largest comeback in program history to force overtime and defeat the Gators of Notre Dame of Maryland University 80-75 on Saturday, Dec. 2. The Eagles win their second game in a row to improve to 3-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Gators drop to 0-6 on the season and lose their first-ever United East contest.
The Gators got off to a fast start against the Eagles, taking the early lead 9-0. The Eagles were aggressive early in getting to the basket but had serious struggles from the free throw line. Saint Elizabeth ended the half a dismal 5 for 16 from the free throw line and would finish the game shooting 20 for 36. With all of the missed free throws, the Gators looked to capitalize. Notre Dame of Maryland University was able to open their lead up to as much as 18 points with 5 minutes to go in the first half. Saint Elizabeth rallied back with a 9-3 run to shrink the lead to 13 points. Coach Adams went to a full-court press for the final 5 minutes of the half and it paid dividends for the Eagles. Saint Elizabeth scored the final 11 points of the half and went into the locker room with only a 7-point deficit.
The Eagles continued their momentum early in the second half, opening the half on an 11-2 run to take their first lead of the game. The teams continued to trade baskets in an intense fast-paced affair. Saint Elizabeth converted a layup with 26 seconds remaining to hold a 66-64 lead. In the final seconds of regulation, the Gators gathered in an offensive rebound and powered in the put back, tying the game at 68 and sending it to overtime.
NDMU trailed by three early in the overtime period, when Pierre Harden converted an and-1 layup in traffic. With 2 minutes left, the Gators converted two more free throws to keep NDMU within a point. Saint Elizabeth would keep the lead the rest of the way, with Tyrese Conover hitting a clutch three pointer with the shot clock expiring to secure the 80-75 victory.
The 18-point comeback marks the largest comeback win in Eagles program history. The previous record was set by the 2019-20 team that came back from being down 16 points to FDU-Florham on November 12, 2019.
Tye-Rell Monroe was the leading scorer for Saint Elizabeth with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Pierre Harden contributed in a variety of areas with 12 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Tyresse Conover ended with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Nasir Owens was an important player off the bench scoring 10 points, grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists. Jonathan Ramos and D'Angelo Blackmond both contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds each.
The Eagles will continue their season on the road against conference foe Bryn Athyn College on Saturday December 9th. Tip off is scheduled for 3pm in Bryn Mawr, PA.
