Johnson State gets past Mariners 77-66

Castine, Maine --- The Johnson State College Men’s basketball team took home a victory Saturday as they defeated Maine Maritime Academy 77-66 in a North Atlantic Conference match up at Margaret Chase Smith Gymnasium. The Badgers had four players reach double figures en route to their first NAC win of the season.

With the win the Badgers improve to 5-13 overall and 1-6 in the conference, while the Mariners drop to 5-13 overall and 1-6 in the Conference.

Johnson State led by seven at the half (32-25) behind the efforts of their solid defense, which held the Mariners to 33% shooting. The Badgers shot a sizzling 55% in the second half en route to 45 points and the 77-66 victory.

Junior Ian Passino (Peru, NY) led the visitors with 22 points, including 6-6 from the free throw line and two three pointers. Leandro Martinez (Philadelphia PA) also played well on offense chipping in 20 points including 8-9 from the free throw line. Nate Dodge (Burlington, VT) added a double-double, scoring 13 points and snatching 10 rebounds. The Badgers went 21-23 from the free throw line and shot 46% from the floor in the game.

Ben Russell (Farmington, ME) led three Mariners in double figures scoring 14 points and dishing out four assists. Sam Bell (Calais, ME) contributed 11 points and five assists while Shawn Dostie (Bowdoinham, ME) chipped in with 11 points and 6 rebounds for MMA.