SMCC Falls Short to Vermont

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's basketball team fought hard but came up short in a 63-57 loss to Vermont State University Randolph in Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) action on Saturday afternoon at The HUB Athletic Center.

SUMMARY

Thomas Martinotti (Hardwinton, Connecticut) led the Seawolves with 21 points on 9-17 shooting, while Charlie Houghton(Dixfield, Maine) recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Seawolves shot 45.3% from the field and 25.0% from beyond the arc, relying on midrange jumpers to stay competitive in the first half. However, turnovers proved costly, as Vermont turned 17 SMCC turnovers into 15 points.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game opened with a fast-paced first half, with SMCC knocking down contested jumpers to counter Vermont's early offensive push. Nathan Mugisha entered the game and made an immediate impact, scoring 7 points in just over 10 minutes to help keep the Seawolves in striking distance. By halftime, the teams were locked in a 29-29 tie.

Vermont came out of the locker room with renewed defensive intensity, forcing multiple SMCC turnovers in the first three minutes of the second half and capitalizing with transition buckets. Tyler Allen took over offensively, scoring 11 of his 21 points in the second half to keep Vermont in control.

Despite Vermont's push, SMCC continued to battle. Cole Pulkinen (Hebron, Maine) hit a layup at the 6:42 mark to bring SMCC within four (52-48). Moments later, Houghton drained a three-pointer with 4:28 remaining, bringing the distance to four points again (55-51).

With under two minutes left, Vermont responded with a layup from Jaylon Calvin to push the lead to six. Martinotti added a late layup with four seconds left, but Vermont iced the game at the free-throw line, sealing the 63-57 victory.

LOOKING AHEAD

SMCC 9-16, 7-9 YSCC) will look to bounce back in their next matchup where they rematch Vermont on the road on Friday Feb 21 at 7PM.