Second Half Surge Carries Mariners To Road Win

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - The United States Merchant Marine Academy won a Landmark Conference thriller against the Eagles of Juniata this afternoon. The Mariners improve to 18-4 overall and 9-2, and are in first place in the Landmark Conference with three games remaining in conference play. Juniata falls to 9-13 overall and 4-7 in the Landmark Conference.

The first half was a back and forth battle seeing the lead change eight times. Senior Ryan Samuel (Cedar Hill, TX) led the way for the Mariners in the half with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals while senior Chad Ray (Carrollton, TX) and junior Tom Izzo (Bridgeport, WV) each added six points to pace the Mariners. Sophomore Matt Regan (Downingtown, PA) led the Golden Eagles with 11 points.

Juniata took its largest lead of the second half when senior Ryan Jones (Coudersport, PA) knocked down a jumper with 11:36 remaining in the game for the eight point lead. The Mariners then went on an 11-0 run over the next eight minutes to give them a three point lead with just under four minutes remaining in the game. Sophomore Jon Snead (Garden City, NY) hit three out of four free throws in the waning minutes of the game to seal the victory for USMMA. Freshman Mike Walker (Homer City, PA) hit a three-pointer as time expired for the final score of 57-55.

Samuel led the way for the Mariners with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Izzo was also in double-digit scoring with ten points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals while junior Richard Roach (Monticello, IN), Ray and sophomore Kevin Kerr (Oakdale, NY) each added six points on the night. Regan led Juniata with 11 points while senior Jeff Berkey (Stoystown, PA) added ten points and two rebounds on the afternoon.

The Mariners return to action on Friday, February 12th when they host Goucher College. Tip-off is slated for 7:30pm.

Story provided by USMMA Sports Information