Sophomore Zayon Marsh (Maplewood, NJ) scored 19 of his game-high 25 points in the opening half, when Goldey-Beacom established momentum and held on for a 79-74 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory over Chestnut Hill at the Jones Center in Wilmington, DE.
Marsh and junior Ayshion Centeno (Pleasantville, NJ) controlled things in the opening half, combining for 30 points on 10-of-14 shooting to help the Lightning open a 34-26 lead. Marsh shot 6-of-9 from the field and 7-for-7 from the line in his effort and Centeno went 4-of-5 from the floor with three 3-pointers.
The Griffins were not going to let a depleted lineup get in their way, using a 12-2 run in just over six minutes to close to a 46-44 deficit with 10:52 left. Marshall Baker and Donald Imo scored five points apiece with the latter ending the spurt on a 3-pointer.
It was the Lightning's turn for a run and they responded, scoring the next 10 points in 2 1/2 minutes for a 56-44 cushion with 8:24 remaining. Senior Mekhi Collins (Medford, MA) continues to be a huge presence for the squad and was in this run, scoring five points that included ending it with a 3-pointer.
GBC finally put away things with a 13-8 spurt over four minutes, gaining a 71-58 cushion with 1:50 to play. Senior Nazim Derry (Atlantic City, NJ) scored five points in that time with Centeno adding four.
Marsh again was the difference, equaling his season-high points total from December 17 vs. American International in shooting 9-of-15 from the floor and 7-for-7 from the foul line. Centeno scored 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting with Derry adding 15 for the Lightning (8-5, 3-0 CACC), who have won three straight and six of their last eight.
Imo poured in 24 points, Kamal Lee netted 18 with five 3-pointers, Neal Hill had 13 points and 10 rebounds with Alejandro Cybak adding 10 rebounds for the Griffins (1-12, 1-2), who had their four-game winning streak against the Lightning snapped.
Goldey-Beacom on Saturday visits Bloomfield as part of a doubleheader with the women's team. Game time is at 3:00 pm, following the women's 1:00 pm contest.
