An old rivalry has been reborn in the last few years. Former Bay Valley Conference rivals Santa Rosa Junior College have been a very tough matchup for the Mariners in their most recent two games. A taut affair was decided in the final seconds as a late free throw gave College of Marin a 70-69 victory.
After notching a 64-62 victory at home against SRJC last season, the Mariners traveled to Santa Rosa to face the Bear Cubs. College of Marin came out firing as George Johnson recorded 21 first half points including six made three pointers. Santa Rosa stayed right with Marin as they went into the break tied at 38-38.
The second half remained close as with the Mariners taking a 69-65 lead into the final minute of play. Santa Rosa launched a three pointer with under 30 seconds remaining, made it, and drew the foul. The made free throw tied the game up at 69-69. With just 15 seconds remaining Mariner Keiland Callum was fouled in the lane and made one of two free throws. Santa Rosa missed the final shot of the game and the Mariners escaped with the road win.
Johnson led the Mariners with 24 points and added five assists. Ty Davis had eight points and 10 assists. Callum had 17 points and nine rebounds while Bobby Reeves had 13 boards off the bench.
The win evened the team's record at 5-5 with a birth in the Santa Rosa Tournament ahead as their final tune up before conference play. They open against American River College on Thursday, December 17th at 2PM.