By Logan Kilfoyle '22

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College men's basketball team dominated the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 79-57, on Saturday evening in its season opener and first game at the Charles B. Luce Fieldhouse since hosting Tufts on Feb. 8, 2020.
 
The Camels came out firing in the first half against the Mariners, scoring early and often to secure a 21-point lead going into the break. Sophomore Billy Whelan (Hamilton, Mass.) dropped two 3-pointers early in the first half to open the scoring for the Camels.
 
Conn began to really pull away from the Mariners when freshman Caelin Peters (King of Prussia, Pa.) drained a 3-pointer to bring its lead to 16-8, causing the Mariners to call a timeout to slow the Camels' momentum. Although the Mariners battled back, by the half, the Camels had kept their lead, 46-27.
 
The Camels were able to retain their lead through the end of the game. While USMMA (1-1) fought back, narrowing the deficit to only 15 points with 5:12 left in the game, Conn pulled away with three pointers from sophomores Ben Rice (Hanson, Mass.) and Whelan, ultimately putting the game out of reach for the visitors and finishing with a 22 point-win.
 
Sophomore David Murray led the scoring efforts for the Camels with 14 points, but classmate Jarron Flynn (Roslindale, Mass.) was right behind him with 12 points, additionally securing 10 rebounds and three steals for the Camels. Freshman Cam Shainfeld (Newton, Mass.) led the team with 12 assists. 
 
The Mariners answered the Camels with Bryce Bristow, who led the team with 15 points, by shooting 6-of-15 from the floor, and DeMarcus Spivey, who scored 10 points. Spivey also led the Mariners in assists with four. 
 
Connecticut College (1-0) will travel to Roger Williams to face the Hawks on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.