And-One: Mercier & Mugisha Combine for 53 In Win Over UMA

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The Southern Maine Community College men's basketball team outlasted UMA in overtime, pulling out an 89-88 conference victory Tuesday night at The HUB to extend its winning streak to seven games.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Chance Mercier (Ellsworth, Maine) came out firing, knocking down three triples in the opening two minutes to spark a quick surge. The Seawolves jumped ahead 10-3 and continued to apply pressure behind great work on the glass from Ellis Macea (Lawrence, Mass.) and Nathan Mugisha (Rwanda, East Africa). Despite UMA answering with perimeter shooting of its own, SMCC maintained control for most of the opening half, using offensive rebounds and ball movement to build a 44-38 lead at the break.

The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle. Mercier continued to score at all three levels, while Mugisha delivered multiple finishes inside to keep SMCC in front. UMA clawed back with timely baskets and second-chance points, eventually tying the game at 60 midway through the half. Neither side could create separation down the stretch, trading leads in the final minutes as the contest remained deadlocked at 80-80 at the end of regulation.

Entering overtime, Khalif Bettis finished at the rim to give UMA a 82-80 head start at the 4:48 mark. SMCC countered with a steal by Sam DeWitt (Hudson, N.H.) that led to a Mugisha dunk to even the score. Mercier then buried a clutch three to give the Seawolves momentum. DeWitt followed by knocking down two free throws, and Mugisha added a late jumper to push SMCC ahead 89-84. A Donte Sharp Jumper and two free throws from Rocco Chang put UMA within one point at the 42 second mark. After a series of timeouts, UMA received sideline possession. UMA had one final look in the closing seconds, when Kobe Edwards rushed to the rim. Mugisha blocked the layup to seal the victory for the Seawolves 89-88.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Chance Mercier (Ellsworth, Maine): 33 points, 7 three pointers, New Career High Scoring
• Nathan Mugisha (Rwanda, East Africa): 20 points, 9 rebounds, go-ahead basket in overtime, New Career High Scoring
• Ellis Macea (Lawrence, Mass.): 12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists
• Sam DeWitt (Hudson, N.H.): 5 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
• Sean Bosia (Dracut, Mass.): 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block
• Jace Bessey (Jay, Maine): 9 points off the bench
• Team shooting: 44.3% FG, 45.5% 3PT, 64.3% FT
• SMCC forced: 15 turnovers and recorded 6 steals
• Rebounding: 35–35 overall, including 14 offensive boards

NEXT UP

SMCC (14-5, 5-5 YSCC) remains at home and will host Word of Life in conference action on Saturday, January 24, with tip-off set for 3:00 PM at The HUB.