PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball team dropped a tightly contested North Atlantic Conference road game, falling 62–60 to the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Friday night.

Maine Maritime (7–12, 7–5 NAC) traded runs with UMPI (8–10, 7–5 NAC) throughout the evening, with neither team leading by more than single digits in a back-and-forth contest.

The Owls built an early edge behind efficient shooting in the opening half, taking a slim advantage into the break. The Mariners responded coming out of halftime, tightening defensively and using balanced scoring to chip away at the deficit. Maine Maritime briefly pulled even during the second half and stayed within one possession over the final minutes, but UMPI converted key baskets late to hold on.

Freshman Drew Hamilton led the Mariners with 18 points, while junior Jack Banks finished in double figures with 11. Maine Maritime shot 41.5 percent from the field and forced several late stops to give itself a chance in the closing moments.

Maine Maritime returns to action on the road Saturday when it faces Husson University at 3 p.m. in Bangor.