CASTINE, Maine — Maine Maritime Academy held off Vermont State University-Lyndon late, using balanced scoring and defensive pressure to secure an 86-79 North Atlantic Conference men's basketball victory Tuesday afternoon at Smith Gymnasium.

The Mariners improved to 6-9 overall and 6-2 in NAC play, building an early advantage and responding each time Lyndon threatened in the second half.

Sophomore Marcus Schade paced Maine Maritime with a game-high 27 points, shooting 11-for-18 from the field while adding six rebounds. Freshman Drew Hamilton finished with 15 points, and freshman Vince Russman added 12 points and six rebounds to give the Mariners three players in double figures.

Freshman Aaron Pensel controlled the glass with a team-high 11 rebounds and went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line, while sophomore Gabe Hagar contributed eight points and a team-leading five steals, helping Maine Maritime disrupt Lyndon's offense during key stretches.

Maine Maritime shot 39.4 percent from the field, knocked down 27 free throws, and held a 47-39 rebounding advantage, allowing the Mariners to protect their lead in the final minutes.

The Mariners return to action Saturday, Jan. 10, when they travel to face the University of Maine at Farmington at 1 p.m.