JOHNSON, Vt. — Sophomore Marcus Schade scored 27 points and sparked a strong offensive effort as Maine Maritime Academy rallied for a 74-67 victory over Vermont State University Johnson on Saturday in North Atlantic Conference play at Carter Gymnasium.

Schade shot 11-for-18 from the field and hit five 3-pointers, giving the Mariners a consistent scoring threat throughout the game.

Junior Jack Banks added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring Maine Maritime's inside presence and helping secure key possessions down the stretch. Freshman Drew Hamilton chipped in 11 points, including three three-pointers, while freshman Aaron Pensel also scored 11, highlighting the team's balanced attack.

Maine Maritime (11-13, 11-6) took control early, leading 40-29 at halftime and maintaining the edge in the second half behind efficient shooting and scrappy defense. The mariners finished with 53.2 percent shooting from the field and 40.0 percent from three, while converting 12 of 16 free throws. Bench contributions from Gabe Hagar (eight points) and Vince Russman (two points) helped sustain momentum in key stretches.

Defensively, the Mariners held Johnson (0-22, 0-15 NAC) to 39.7 percent shooting and limited second-chance points with strong rebounding from Banks and company. The win improved Maine Maritime's conference mark, underscoring the team's improvements as league play deepens.

Maine Maritime now heads back on the road next weekend. The Mariners will face the University of Maine at Farmington on Saturday at 1 p.m., seeking to carry their momentum into another North Atlantic Conference matchup.