LEXINGTON, Mass. — The Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball team returned to the court on Friday with an 88-78 win over Lesley University in North Atlantic Conference action, improving to 3-0 in league play.

Maine Maritime (3-3, 3-0 NAC) came out strong from the opening tip, posting 43 points in the first half while holding Lesley (2-8, 2-3 NAC) to 33. The Mariners and Lynx played even over the final 20 minutes with 45 points apiece, allowing MMA to secure the road victory.

Junior Jack Banks powered the offense with a game-high 26 points and a 10-rebound double-double. Sophomore Marcus Schade returned to the floor and added 20 points and four assists.

Freshmen Drew Hamilton and Aaron Pensel contributed 18 and 13 points, respectively. Pensel matched fellow freshman Noah Eckhart with a team-high 11 rebounds and also handed out a team-best five assists. Hamilton and Eckhart each added four assists, with Eckhart finishing with five points.

The Mariners shot 47.3 percent from the floor and dominated inside with 52 points in the paint.

Maine Maritime returns to action Saturday, traveling to Thomas College for a 3 p.m. tipoff.