MBB Downs St. Joseph's for Fourth Straight Win

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's basketball team picked up their fourth consecutive victory on Saturday afternoon, powering past St. Joseph's University (Brooklyn) 80-60 in the second day of the Cadet-Mariner Classic at Merriman Gym on the campus of the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Senior Jalen Benson (New London, Conn.) led the charge on both ends of the floor, scoring a team-high 19 points to go along with nine assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. The 19 points were also a season-high for the senior, who was joined in double-figures by four other Mariners.

Alfonzo Stokes (Bloomfield, Conn.) added 13 points, Ahmani Browne (St. John's, Antigua) chipped in 11 points and six rebounds, Robert Zirlis (Clinton, Conn.) registered 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Wilton Causey (Worcester, Mass.) came off the bench, finishing with 10 points of his own.

The Bears jumped out to an early advantage, leading Mitchell 13-10 midway through the first half. The Mariners would close the stanza on a 31-10 run, establishing control which they would not cease. The Bears played much more competitive basketball in the second half, but had no answer for Mitchell, who saw their lead grow as large as 28 points down the stretch.

Mitchell had their second best shooting game of the season, finishing 57.1% from the field. The Mariners also won the rebound battle (42-35), dished out 10 more assists than the Bears, and scored 26 points off 16 turnovers by St. Joseph's. 10 different players scored for Mitchell, who got 24 points from the bench, the second most so far this season.

The Mariners (4-1) will play one more game before a brief break for Thanksgiving, hosting Albertus Magnus on Tuesday, November 22 at 6:00 pm in a non-conference matchup. St. Joseph's (1-3) will play host to St. Elizabeth University on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 pm.