Seawolves grind out win in Albany 69-61

ALBANY, N.Y.—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's basketball team completed the regular season sweep of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), defeating the Panthers 69-61 on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The home team held a 6-point advantage with eight minutes showing in the first half, but the next three SMCC makes would be three-pointers, sparking a 5-point advantage at the break.

The early goings of the second half saw both teams trading baskets until the Seawolves' lead grew to as much as 13 with three minutes remaining in regulation. SMCC executed at the free throw line to keep its distance and avoid a late run by a capable Panther's squad.

Sophomore forward Luke Briggs (Augusta, Maine) topped all scorers in the game with 17. Rookie guard Julius Silva (Biddeford, Maine) logged a season-high 12 points off the bench, 4-6 from downtown, and sophomore co-captain Randy Vasquez (Methuen, Mass.) came away with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The difference proved to be SMCC's ability to get to the free throw line—the Seawolves managed 19 attempts to the Panther's four. Moreover, SMCC was efficient from beyond the arc connecting at a 40.1 percent clip.

Albany's Brett Richards put together 12 points and 16 rebounds in 31 minutes on the floor.

SMCC begins a new win streak and moves to 16-6 overall, 9-3 in conference play. ACPHS moves to 12-10, 1-7 YSCC.

The Seawolves return home to battle Washington County Community College in non-conference action on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Tip-off at The HUB is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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