ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University men's basketball team used a 19-2 opening run as a springboard to a 92-82 victory over Molloy in an East Coast Conference game Sunday afternoon at the Voller Athletic Center.
Isaiah Elmore, Malik Brooks and Ryan Garwood each scored five points and Ryan Hudson added four during the opening spurt for the Redhawks (10-10, 7-5 ECC), who notched their third conference win in four games.
"We have been more consistent," Roberts coach Mark Saladzius said. "I think that we have played more of a complete game these last few games. We are just taking it step-by-step. You want to be your best during the second half of the season when conference play comes along. … For us, moving forward it is going to be can we continue with the grind, can we continue with the day to day and can we continue to get better."
Garwood, a sophomore guard, went 9-for-11 from the free-throw line and led the Redhawks with 17 points. Brooks added 15 points and Elmore, the reigning ECC Defensive Player of the Week, finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks.
"We are staying very connected and we are staying very positive, even though we have had our ups and downs," Elmore said. "We are starting to hone in our defense and our offense and are staying together as a team."
Freshman Elijah Edwards scored 11 points and Kevin Constant chipped in with 10. Jermaine Taggart II finished with eight points and four rebounds.
Roberts outscored Molloy 23-8 in transition and led for all but 1:18 of the game.
Elmore, a 6-9 junior from Tampa, Fla., has played a key role in the Redhawks' surge averaging 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in the last six games.
"Just play at the highest level possible," Elmore said of his mindset. "Whether it's blocks or steals or rebounding, just doing whatever I can to help the guys and help the team win."
The Redhawks return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday for an ECC game at the College of Staten Island.