Men’s Basketball Outlasted by Owls in Opener of Cadet-Mariner Classic

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's basketball team saw a five-point halftime lead evaporate on Friday evening, falling to Westfield State 75-66 in a non-conference game to open the Cadet-Mariner Classic at the Yarnall Athletic Center. With the loss, the Mariners drop to 0-2 to open their season, while the Owls improve to 3-1.

Junior guard Kenny Lewis (Orlando, Fla.) poured in a game-high 22 points off the bench, also a career-high mark, while fellow junior Jaylyn Clardy (Pensacola, Fla.) added 12 points and six rebounds, and senior Dontae Pollard (Fort Walton, Fla.) finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Bishop Taylor (Aberdeen, MD) tacked on nine points, six assists, and three rebounds for the Mariners.

The two squads traded baskets early, but Mitchell was able to pull slightly ahead, taking an eight-point edge with 6:48 remaining in the half after Lewis knocked down a pair of free throws. The eight-point lead was the largest of the night for the Mariners, who were able to maintain a five-point advantage heading into the intermission.

Westfield State began the second half by immediately chipping away at the Mariners, taking their first lead since the opening minutes of play when senior Brendon Hamilton slammed down a dunk to make it a 48-47 game with 14:57 on the clock. Moments later, Mitchell jumped back ahead on a layup by Dontae Pollard, but after Westfield's Brendan Keaveny converted a layup and Mitchell's Wilton Causey (Worcester, Mass.) made a free throw, the score was once again knotted up, this time at 52-52. After trading one basket each, the Owls went ahead for good when junior guard Lid Moreland made a layup at the 9:57 mark. The Mariners managed to stay close, but were unable to find their way back into the driver's seat, as Westfield State was able to pull out the nine-point victory.

After shooting 42.9% from the floor and from beyond the arc in the opening half, the Mariners shot just 30.6% overall in the second half, and did not make one of their five three point attempts. This shooting slump allowed Westfield to make up ground, as the Owls shot 53.1% as a team in the second stanza.

Sophomore Juju Omot paced the Owls with a team-high 20 points to go along with five rebounds. Moreland added 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Brendon Hamilton also finished in double-figures, posting a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

As a team, Westfield State shot 46.8% from the floor, compared to just 37.2% for the Mariners. The Owls also won the rebounding battle, 42-35 and outscored Mitchell 46-30 in the paint. However, the Mariners did lead the way in assists, 14-12, and committed one fewer turnover than their opponent.

The Mariners (0-2, 0-0 GNAC) will return to play on Saturday, November 18th, when they face off against CCNY at the Coast Guard Academy in the second day of the Cadet-Mariner Classic at 1:00 pm. The Owls (3-1, 0-0 MASCAC) will play the host Bears immediately after, with tip-off scheduled for 3:00 pm.