Santiago's Big Game Leads MBB Past Lesley

Santiago's Big Game Leads MBB Past Lesley

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Mitchell College coasted to a 93-70 victory over Lesley University on Saturday afternoon in a New England Collegiate Conference match-up at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

Domenico Santiago recorded game highs of 30 points and 17 rebounds in his return to the floor for the Mariners, who improved to 8-6 overall and 3-3 in league action. Hasani Williams also finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards, and Steffen Brunson contributed 15 points and a game-high nine assists.

Joey Martin netted 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting to pace Lesley (1-12 overall, 0-5 NECC). Chase Howard added 19 points while Treyvon Trent chipped in 11.

The Mariners came out hot, scoring the first eight points of the contest and forcing Lesley to take an early timeout. However, the Lynx responded by scoring 12 of the next 16 points to knot the game at 12-12 following a lay-up by Trent with 13:18 to go.

Mitchell outscored Lesley by a 24-7 margin over the final 7:03 of the half to turn a two-point lead into a 51-32 lead at intermission. Five Mariners scored during the stretch led by six points apiece from Santiago and Williams.

The Mariners led by as many as 23 in the second half and never let the Lynx within less than 15. Santiago tallied 19 of his 30 points and 12 of his 17 boards after the break. Mitchell shot 53 percent for the game and dominated the glass (48-27).

Mitchell will next host Southern Vermont College on Thursday, January 17 at 6 p.m. Lesley returns to action at home against Southern Vermont on Tuesday, January 15 at 8 p.m.