Seawolves Fall 70-56 to Knights

RANDOLPH, Vt. — The Southern Maine Community College men's basketball team saw its historic 13-game winning streak come to an end Saturday afternoon, falling 70-56 to Vermont State University Randolph at SHAPE Gym. The loss closes the longest win streak in program history, surpassing the previous mark of 12 straight victories set by the 1993-94 squad more than 30 years ago.

HOW IT HAPPENED

SMCC battled early in a tightly contested first half. Ellis Macea (Lawrence, Mass.) and Sean Bosia (Dracut, Mass.) helped keep the Seawolves within striking distance, while Chance Mercier (Ellsworth, Maine) attacked the glass and created second-chance opportunities.

After trailing 29-24 at halftime, the Seawolves briefly cut into the deficit behind a Mercier three-pointer and transition finish from Sam DeWitt (Hudson, N.H.). A triple from Jace Bessey (Jay, Maine) later trimmed the lead to four midway through the second half.

Vermont State's Jaylon Calvin controlled the tempo down the stretch, capitalizing on turnovers and converting at the free throw line to extend the gap. The Seawolves were unable to fully recover as Randolph pulled away late.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Chance Mercier: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Ellis Macea: 10 points, 8 rebounds
• Nathan Mugisha: 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Jace Bessey: 8 points (2 three-pointers)
• SMCC rebounds: 35
• SMCC assists: 16
• Turnovers: 18

NEXT UP

SMCC will travel to face Paul Smith's College at CMCC in YSCC Quarterfinal action on Friday, February 20 at 5:00 PM.