Mariner Men's Hoops Captures Third-Straight Win

KINGS POINT, N.Y. - Sophomore center Max Paul recorded a career best 20 points and also registered four rebounds to lead the United States Merchant Marine Academy men's basketball team to its third straight victory with a  91-86 win over FDU-Florham on Monday night. Sophomore guard Chad Ray also set a career high in the contest.  

USMMA improves to 3-7 overall while FDU-Florham falls to 1-12.   

Ray helped out the Mariners with a career high 19 points on a five three-point field goals and three rebounds. Sophomore guard Ryan Samuel added 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. Leading the way for the Devils was Andrew Biancosino with 27 points and three rebounds. Ryan McPherson pitched in 14 points and three assists.  

The Devils got on the board first when George Twill knocked down a jumper. The Mariners answered right back when Paul was able to net a layup. The score would bounce back and forth for the next couple of minutes until the 14 minute mark when Milton LaCroix knocked down a shot off a pass from McPherson to give the Devils a 14-12 lead. The Devils would hold that lead until 6:30 left in the half when USMMA regained the lead 28-26 on a layup by Paul. The Mariners had the advantage getting ready to go into halftime, but Twill was able to score on a layup at the last second to give FDU-Florham a 39-38 lead at the break.   

Leading the Mariners was Samuel in the first 20 minutes with seven points, three assists and two rebounds. FDU-Florham was led by Ricky Fetske with five points and four rebounds.  

In the second half, USMMA struck first when Paul knocked down a jumper to take a 40-39 lead. The score would bounce back and forth until the 17 minute mark when Pat Grace netted a three-point field goal the give the Mariners a 47-45 lead and they would never look back. The Devils were able to pull within one point, 66-65, with seven minutes remaining, but USMMA was able to hold its lead and end the game with a 91-86 victory.   

Leading the Mariners was Paul in the second half with 13 points and four rebounds. FDU-Florham was led by Biancosino with 19 points and two assists.    

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