OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Stevenson Mustangs delivered a strong all-around performance inside Owings Mills Gymnasium on Friday evening, earning an 80–67 victory over Notre Dame (Md.) in non-conference men's basketball action. Stevenson used a balanced offensive attack and a strong first-half surge to secure its first win of the 2026-27 season.
The Mustangs faced an early challenge as Notre Dame opened the contest with a 4–0 advantage. Stevenson quickly responded, as
Jelani Lee knocked down a three-pointer to get the Mustangs on the board. Lee continued to make an impact on both ends of the floor, converting a fast-break layup before
Noah Ihezue connected from beyond the arc to give Stevenson an 8–4 lead.
Stevenson continued to build momentum through its defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on turnovers.
Chase Mitchell connected on a three-pointer, while
David Pridgen added a basket inside to extend the Mustang advantage. Lee followed with a pair of free throws, helping Stevenson establish a 10-point cushion midway through the opening half.
The Mustangs maintained control throughout the remainder of the first half.
Kishann Smith provided a spark in the paint, finishing a second-chance dunk before adding another basket inside. Mitchell knocked down another three-pointer, and Lee continued his strong first-half performance at the free-throw line. Pridgen added a three-pointer off an offensive rebound, while Ihezue converted a fast-break layup following a steal to push the Stevenson lead to 13.
Colin Luddy capped the first-half scoring with a three-pointer off a Mitchell assist, sending the Mustangs into the break with a commanding 40–26 advantage. Stevenson shot 41.4 percent from the field in the opening half and connected on six three-pointers.
The Mustangs carried their momentum into the second half, opening with another three-pointer from Lee to extend the lead to 17. Lee remained a consistent offensive threat, connecting on two additional three-pointers as Stevenson continued to find its rhythm from beyond the arc. Mitchell added a three-pointer of his own, while
Giampaolo Tripodi energized the crowd with a dunk in the paint.
Stevenson continued to control the pace, with Ihezue connecting from long range and Smith finishing a driving layup off an Ihezue assist. Ihezue added another basket midway through the half, pushing the Mustang advantage to its largest margin of the evening at 20 points, 59–39, with 10:56 remaining.
Notre Dame attempted to chip away at the deficit, but the Mustangs remained composed down the stretch. Pridgen and Lee continued to contribute offensively, while Mitchell converted all four of his free-throw attempts in the second half. Stevenson maintained its double-digit advantage through the final minutes, ultimately securing the 80–67 victory.
Lee led the Mustangs with a game-high 22 points, adding eight rebounds while shooting 5-for-8 from three-point range. Mitchell followed with 15 points, three assists and one steal, while Ihezue and Pridgen each contributed 13 points. Ihezue also recorded eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. Smith added nine points and five rebounds, while Lewis contributed five points and five rebounds off the bench.
As a team, Stevenson shot 44.4 percent from the field and connected on 12 three-pointers. The Mustangs also held a significant advantage in second-chance points, 17–8, and forced 14 Notre Dame turnovers.
The Mustangs will return to action on Wednesday, November 18, traveling to Lebanon Valley for cross-MAC action. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Annville, Pa.
