NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball team dropped an 81-73 decision to the City College of New York on Sunday afternoon at Nat Holman Gymnasium.
The Mariners (1-1) received a balanced offensive effort with four players scoring in double figures, but CCNY used a strong advantage on the glass and 25 made free throws to secure the victory.
Sophomore
Drew Hamilton led Maine Maritime with 17 points, knocking down three 3-pointers while adding four rebounds and three assists. Freshman
Tyler McKnight provided a spark off the bench with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers, while junior
Marcus Schade added eight points and freshman
Immanuel Weaver contributed eight points, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
Maine Maritime stayed within striking distance throughout the opening half despite falling behind by as many as 12 points. Schade helped ignite a rally with a pair of three-pointers, and Hamilton added four late free throws as the Mariners cut the deficit to 41-34 at halftime.
CCNY opened the second half by extending its lead before the Mariners mounted several runs. Hamilton connected on a three-pointer and later scored on a layup to trim the margin to 45-41 early in the period.
The Mariners continued to battle, getting key contributions from McKnight and junior
Michael Kalu, who finished with four points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Hamilton's third three-pointer of the game pulled Maine Maritime within 67-61 with 5:47 remaining, but CCNY answered by converting free throws and controlling the offensive glass down the stretch.
Maine Maritime made a late push in the final minute. McKnight and junior
Carson Farnsley knocked down key baskets as the Mariners cut the deficit to seven points, but CCNY closed out the contest at the foul line.
The Mariners finished with a 37-11 advantage in bench scoring and recorded eight steals and five blocks. Junior
Wade Hill added four points and a team-high eight rebounds, while junior
Prentice Young Jr. chipped in seven points and three steals.
Maine Maritime returns to action at the Jim Beaudry Classic on Nov. 14-15 beginning with host University of New England at 5 p.m.
