- Mount St. Mary's claims first MAAC title with 63-49 victory
- Dallas Hobbs leads with 18 points and 7 assists
- Team shoots 50% from the field in second half
- Program-record 22 wins secures NCAA tournament spot
In a historic showdown at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, sixth-seeded Mount St. Mary’s overcame fourth-seeded Iona to capture its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship. The Mountaineers’ 63-49 triumph not only ended their 0-2 championship game drought in the MAAC but also marked a program-defining moment in their third season in the conference.
The game turned decisively when Hobbs and teammate Dola Adebayo sank back-to-back three-pointers during a critical 12-2 run, stretching the lead to 55-45 with under four minutes remaining. Hobbs’ 18-point performance, paired with four three-pointers, showcased the team’s offensive resurgence after shooting just 26% in the first half.
Mount St. Mary’s (22-12) demonstrated remarkable adaptability, a trait honed during their transition from the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2022. Head coach Dan Engelstad emphasized perimeter shooting and defensive pressure—strategies that paid dividends as the team converted 6-of-9 three-point attempts after halftime. This tactical shift highlights a growing trend in college basketball: prioritizing high-percentage outside shooting to counter physical defenses.
A regional case study emerges in the team’s recruitment strategy post-conference switch. By targeting versatile guards like Hobbs and Adebayo, the Mountaineers built a roster capable of competing in the MAAC’s faster-paced style—a stark contrast to their NEC days focused on interior play.
With this win, Mount St. Mary’s secures an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, their first since 2017. Analysts project the team as a potential 14th seed, where their three-point proficiency could pose problems for higher-ranked opponents.