SWARTHMORE, Pa. – Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball fell to Wells College on Saturday night, 67-63, in day one of the Garnet Holiday Tournament hosted by Swarthmore College.

The Mariners jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Brendan Newcomb (Holden, Maine). The Express fought back, taking a 14-13 lead with 10:52 remaining in the first half.

With 4:15 left in the second half, a Dylan Stevens (Wells, Maine) layup tied things up at 27 apiece, and sparked an 11-8 run to give the Mariners a 38-35 lead at the half.

The Express scored 12-unanswered points early in the second half to take a 53-43 lead with 13:22 remaining. Dylan Price (Madison, Maine), Tyler Thayer (Hermon, Maine) and Tyler Gilson (Thomaston, Maine) hit baskets to bring the Mariners within one (61-60) with 1:24 to go.

Wells College made four free throws take a 65-60 advantage, but Thayer hit a three to keep Maine Maritime's hopes alive with 32 seconds remaining. The Express added a pair of free throws in the final second, to secure the 67-63 victory.

Newcomb led the Mariners with 17 points, including going 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, five rebounds and an assist, while Thayer added 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Gilson recorded a double-double with a career-high 14 rebounds and 13 points and Price rounded out the Mariners in double digits with 10 points, four assists, three steals and three rebounds.

Rich Ross led the Express with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals, Chris Courtney added 11 points, and Jordan Bishop chipped in with 10 points.

The Mariners fall to 3-6 on the season, and will face Earlham College tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in the consolation game, while Wells (3-5) will take on host Swarthmore College for the Garnet Holiday Tournament Championship.