CASTINE, Maine –  The Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball team improved to 2-3 overall and 2-0 in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) play with a 71-60 victory over the SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers on Saturday afternoon in Smith Gymnasium.

Maine Maritime opened the contest with a hot start, pouring in 39 points in the first half while holding SUNY Cobleskill (1-5, 0-2 NAC) to just 20. The Mariners shot an impressive 61.5 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three in the opening half. 

In the second half, the Fighting Tigers attempted a rally, outscoring MMA 40-32, but the early lead was enough for the Mariners to close out the game.

Jack Banks led the charge for Maine Maritime with a double-double of 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting and 11 rebounds, while also dishing out three assists. Drew Hamilton added 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, along with three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Aaron Pensel chipped in 16 points, converting 7-of-10 from the floor and collecting seven rebounds, four steals, two blocks and an assist.

The Mariners will resume play after Thanksgiving, when they hit the road to face NESCAC's Colby College on Tuesday, December 2 at 5:00 pm.