Box Score
Postgame Interviews (Kauffman & Robinson)
 
KINGS POINT (Jan. 8, 2022) – Neither team ever led by double-digits, but the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men's basketball team prevailed over conference rival Sarah Lawrence, 70-66, on Saturday afternoon. The Mariners even their record at 5-5 on the season and move to 2-1 in conference play while Sarah Lawrence falls to 3-6 and 1-2 in the Skyline Conference.
 
Freshman Kody Robinson (Woodbridge, N.J.) led the way with a game high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. Sophomore Josh Kauffman (East Providence, R.I.) knocked in a pair of free throws with two seconds remaining to seal the Mariners win in addition to his double-double performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
 
It was Sarah Lawrence who led early as the Gryphons took what would be their largest lead of the day five minutes into the first half at 15-10. But the Mariners would go on a 16-2 run from there, including four three-pointers to build a nine-point cushion. Sarah Lawrence would not go away and closed to within two points at the half, 32-30.
 
The contest stayed tight throughout the entire second half, but the Mariners never relinquished the lead. Sarah Lawrence closed to within a single possession numerous times, including at 66-64 with 27 seconds to play on a Justin Bailey jumper. Sophomore Dante Spina (Miami, Fla) went to the line with 21 seconds to play and made his two free throws to extend the lead back to four. Lucas Murray would answer with five seconds to play for the Gryphons before Robinson would seal the deal with his two shots at the charity stripe.
 
The Mariners made 12 total three-pointers on the day with six different players hitting from beyond the arc. Senior Blaine McDonough (Marietta, Ga.) and freshman Drew Zalescik (Lambertville, N.J.) each racked up three blocks in the victory.
 
Up next, the Mariners will hit the road on Wednesday night, Jan. 12, to face Skyline North Division foe Manhattanville College. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Valiants' Kennedy Gymnasium. Live stats and a live video feed of the game will be available with links on the USMMA Men's Basketball Schedule Page.
 
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