Wins Keep Coming For Mariner Men

KINGS POINT, N.Y. - Freshman forward Matt Hueber recorded his second  career double-double in three games with 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead the United States Merchant Marine Academy men's basketball team to its sixth straight victory with a 66-57 win over Wesleyan University on Tuesday night.  

USMMA improves to 6-7 overall while Wesleyan falls to 6-8.   

Junior guard Pat Grace helped out the Mariners with 17 points on four three-point field goals. Sophomore guard Ryan Samuel added nine points, seven assists and three rebounds. Leading the way for the Wesleyan was Jeremy Kaminer with 14 points, four rebounds, five steals and three assists. Stan Grayson pitched in eight points, five rebounds and five steals.  

The Cardinals got on the board first when Eric Winters knocked down two free throws. USMMA answered right back on a Matt Oaks three-pointer to make the score 3-2. Wesleyan would then build its biggest lead of the game to make the score 12-8. They were able to keep their lead until the 4:44 mark when the Mariners went up 20-19 on a three-point field goal by Samuel. With 1:15 left in the half, the Cardinals would pull ahead, 25-24, on a jumper by Kaminer. But it would not last long as the Mariners got back in front, 26-25, on two Max Paul foul shots right before the break.   

Leading the Mariners was Grace in the first 20 minutes with eight points. Wesleyan was led by Kaminer with six points, three assists and two steals.  

In the second half, USMMA struck first when Tom Izzo knocked down a layup to take a 28-25 lead. The Cardinals regained the lead, 29-28, at 16:51 on a jumper by Kaminer. Wesleyan would hold its advantage until 11:44 left in the game when Hueber knocked down one of his two three-pointers to put the Mariners up 40-38. USMMA would not relinquish its lead for the remainder of the game. Down the stretch, the Mariners were able to knock down their free throws (22-30) to hold on to a 66-57 victory.   

The Mariners also ended the game with 10 three-point field goals to the Cardinals two.   Leading the Mariners was Hueber in the second half with 12 points, five rebounds and two steals. Wesleyan was led by Kaminer with eight points, three steals and two rebounds.    

The Mariners will face two Landmark Conference opponents this weekend when they travel to Juniata College on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Susquehanna University on Saturday at 4 p.m.