Mariners lose two in California

Play well in loss to SUNY Maritime Academy

Vallejo, CA - The Maine Maritime Academy Men's Basketball Team fell in their first round game of the Maritime Classic Tournament to California Maritime Academy 82-46.

The Mariners kept the game close for the first 15 minutes of the game before the Keelhaulers made a run late into the half to gain a 31-20 halftime lead. California Maritime dominated the second half, out scoring MMA 51-26 to run away with the 36 point victory.

Derek DiFrederico (Millinocket, ME) led the Mariners with 11 points while Jake Manner (Frankfort, ME) contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds. Junior forward, Jarred Sternbergh (Jonesboro, ME) led MMA with 5 rebounds in the loss. Cal Maritime held the Mariners to 30% shooting on the night. With the loss, MMA moves on to the consolation game on Saturday against SUNY Maritime Academy.

On Saturday, the Mariners trailed by 14 points at half time but battled back in the second half before losing in a tight finish 63-57. With the loss, MMA falls to 1-3 on the year. The Mariners found themselves down by as many as 16 points in the game but battled back to close within two points with just two minutes to play before losing by 6 points.

Derek DiFrederico, once again led the offensive attack, scoring 19 points and made the All-Tournament Team for his efforts in the two games. Jake Manner scored 13 points of his own and led the team with 8 rebounds while Sophomore point guard, Bryant Ciomei (Stonington, ME), played well in the loss, scoring 10 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out a team high 3 assists.