WATERVILLE, Maine — The Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 59–58 road decision to Thomas College in North Atlantic Conference action on Saturday.

Thomas (4-5, 3-2 NAC) hit the eventual game-winning shot in the final seconds after trailing 58–56, capping a late surge with a decisive 3-pointer.

Maine Maritime (3-3, 3-1 NAC) started slowly and fell behind early in the opening half, but battled back to close the gap and entered halftime trailing the Terriers 35–31.

The Mariners continued to push in the second half, pulling within one with just over eight minutes remaining before taking a 49–47 lead seconds later. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with MMA holding a 58–54 advantage with 2:42 left.

Thomas cut the deficit to two with 2:09 remaining and later sank the game-winning 3-pointer with nine seconds remaining to escape with the win.

Sophomore Marcus Schade led all scorers with 18 points, adding five rebounds and two assists. Freshman Aaron Pensel posted another double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks, while fellow freshman Drew Hamilton added 11 points.

Junior Jack Banks contributed six points and nine rebounds, recording a game-high five blocks and adding two steals.

Maine Maritime returns to action on Saturday when it hosts the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.