SOUTH PORTLAND, ME – The Seawolves put up a strong fight but came up short against MassBay Community College, falling 77-71 at the HUB Athletics Center on January 8, 2025.

SUMMARY

After trailing by 10 points at halftime, SMCC stormed back in the second half. The Seawolves shot 51.5% from the field in the final half and outscored MassBay 43-39. Despite closing the gap to a single point late in the game, MassBay held on for the win, knocking down free throws and creating defensive stops.

Thomas Martinotti (Harwinton, Conn.) led the Seawolves' offensive efforts with 21 points, including three three-pointers and 4-for-4 shooting from the free-throw line. Jasper Landrum from MassBay was a key factor, going 5-for-6 from beyond the arc, contributing 17 points to the visitors' victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

MassBay built an early lead by shooting 55.6% from three-point range in the first half. Carvens Garbe's presence in the paint and Landrum's sharp perimeter shooting contributed to a 38-28 halftime lead for the visitors. SMCC struggled to find their rhythm early, shooting just 31.6% in the first half, but their defensive intensity kept them in the game.

The second half was a different story for the Seawolves. Martinotti ignited a comeback effort five minutes into the half with a series of baskets that energized the team. Charlie Houghton (Dixfield, Maine) and Sean Bosia (Dracut, Mass.) contributed with key plays in the paint, while Nathan Mugisha (Westbrook, Maine) and Tucker Stiles (South Bristol, Maine) added timely points off the bench. Martinotti's three-pointer with 3:56 left in the game brought the Seawolves within one point; however, MassBay's Garbe and Ezekiel Johnson responded with crucial scores to maintain their lead. Johnson's free throws in the final minute ultimately sealed the victory for the visitors.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Seawolves return to action at home on Saturday, January 11, as they take on Paul Smith's College. The game is set to tip off at 3 PM.