The United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners (1-0) upended the Knights of Berkeley College (0-1) by a score of 57-54 Saturday afternoon in Kings Point, NY.
Berkeley controlled play early, never relinquishing their lead in the first half, leading at the half 28-26. Berkeley came out firing in the second, scoring seven of the half's first nine points to open up a seven point in lead in the first five minutes of play. Capitalizing on Berkeley turnovers, the Mariners slowly began to chip away at the deficit before taking the lead late in the game.
On their final chance down the floor, Berkeley junior forward Milan Germany (Bronx, NY) heaved a potential game-tying three pointer at the buzzer from the top of the arc that looked as though it had a chance of dropping; only to spin around the hoop and rim out, giving Merchant Marine the 57-54 victory.
Despite only holding the lead for 1:12 seconds, the Mariners were able to outscore the Knights 14-1 in the final 4:47 of play to come out on top.
For the Knights, Germany had a stellar double-double performance, scoring 22 points and nabbing 14 rebounds; both game highs.
The Knights return to action today against Vaughn College.
