CASTINE, Maine — Maine Maritime Academy used a balanced offensive effort and timely defense to hold off the University of Maine at Presque Isle, earning an 83–80 North Atlantic Conference victory Saturday afternoon at Smith Gymnasium.

Maine Maritime (4-4, 4-2 NAC) weathered an early push from the Owls before taking a 28–25 edge at the break. The teams traded runs in the second half, but Maine Maritime stayed poised down the stretch to secure the three-point win.

Junior Jack Banks delivered a dominant all-around performance to lead the Mariners with 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, five blocks and two steals while shooting 9-for-14 from the floor. Sophomore Marcus Schade poured in a team-high 22 points, going 7-for-12 from the field, 2-for-5 from three-point range and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line.

Freshman Drew Hamilton added 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting, knocking down two three-pointers and dishing out four assists, while freshman Noah Eckhart finished with eight points, four rebounds and a pair of free throws in key moments. Sophomore Gabe Hagar provided a spark off the bench with nine points on 3-for-5 shooting, including two three-pointers, while also collecting two rebounds and two steals.

Senior Josiah Dancy chipped in four points, four rebounds, two steals and an assist and freshman Aaron Pensel contributed seven points, two steals and a fast-break layup that helped swing momentum in the second half. Freshman Vince Russman and Banks anchored the interior defensively, combining for six blocks, as the Mariners totaled seven blocks on the day.

As a team, Maine Maritime shot 53.8 percent from the field, went 8-for-22 from beyond the arc and 19-for-26 at the free-throw line. The Mariners forced 20 turnovers and converted them into 22 points, while adding 16 assists on 28 made field goals.

Maine Maritime returns to action on Tuesday at 3 p.m., when the Mariners host Colby College in non-conference play.