HENNIKER, N.H. – Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball fell to New England College 85-74, on Saturday afternoon in North Atlantic Conference play.

The Pilgrims led by as much as 17 in the final three minutes of the first half, but the Mariners continued to battle, closing the gap to 14 following jumpers from Dylan Stevens (Wells, Maine) and Dylan Price (Madison, Maine) to enter the half down, 44-30.

The Mariners cut the lead to eight points (47-39) at 16:28 following threes from Brendan Newcomb (Holden, Maine), Tyler Thayer (Hermon, Maine) and Zachary Radcliffe (Rumford, Maine). A Thayer layup with 51 seconds remaining closed the gap to 79-74, but the Pilgrims hung on for the victory.

Newcomb led all players with 27 points, including 7-for-11 shooting beyond the arc, while Thayer added 26 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Jakhalil Smith led the Pilgrims with a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds, Dezron Wilson added 16 points, while Jake Vickery added 15 points off the bench. Tyrone Jackson chipped in with 11 points, and Frantzy Georges and Shannon Murray each added 10 points.

Maine Maritime Academy falls to 3-15 overall and 2-9 in the NAC, while the Pilgrims improve to 6-13 on the season, and 3-9 in the conference. The Mariners return to action next Friday, February 5 against Johnson State.