KINGS POINT, N.Y. – The Connecticut College men's basketball team dropped its second straight matchup to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 61-50, at Liebertz Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.
Connecticut College built up an early 4-1 lead courtesy of a layup by junior
Ryan Omslaer (Jackson, N.J.). However, USMMA responded with eight unanswered and capped the run on a James Walsh old-fashioned 3-point play. Even though the Camels fought back and regained the advantage when freshman
Henry Fine (Newton, Mass.) drilled a 3-pointer, the Mariners answered again and built up a double-digit lead following back-to-back layups by Blaine McDonough and Bryce Listow. Jack Bucher, who led all scorers in the half, gave the hosts a 33-21 lead at the recess by capitalizing on a second-chance opportunity with a made jumper from the left side.
USMMA, which recognized its seniors prior to the game, stayed ahead throughout the second half despite being challenged throughout by a spirited Camels squad with several first-year players providing heavy minutes on back-to-back days. Senior
Justin Nwafor (East Hartford, Conn.) brought the Camels within single digits at 37-29 by finishing a pass from freshman
Billy Whelan (Hamilton, Mass.) at 14:02, but Gavin Green brought the margin back up to twin figures by drilling one from downtown at the other end following a scoring drought by both squads.
The Camels never gave up and slashed the lead down to five by the midway point when freshman
David Murray (Jackson Heights, N.Y.) converted two free throws. However, the Mariners answered back with the long ball and were able to hold off the Camels for the remainder of the contest to post their second win of the season.
USMMA (2-1) was led by James Walsh, Bucher, and McDonough. Walsh finished with 13 points, five assists, and two blocks, while Bucher had 18 points and seven rebounds. McDonough ended the game with nine points, 15 boards, and five helpers.
Connecticut College (0-2) was headlined by its freshman class for the second straight game.
Ben Rice (Hanson, Mass.) registered his first collegiate double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Murray was stellar in more limited action with seven points, 10 boards, and three blocks.
Jarron Flynn (Roslindale, Mass.) and Whelan notched 10 points apiece, and Flynn also tallied a game-high five steals.
"Progress is not always reflected on the scoreboard," said head coach
Tim Sweeney, whose team dressed five freshmen and nine players total. "For example, today our rebounding and attention to detail were improved from the first matchup. We will be ready to get back to improving this week."
