Down 58-56 with under third seconds left on the clock, the Mariners had a chance to tie and force overtime, three chances in fact. The Mariners had the ball on the fast break but missed a layup. They got the offensive rebound, but the put back was no good. Marin drew a foul, but both free throws were off the mark as Napa converted two free throws down the stretch for the 60-56 final score.
The game was very close the entire 40 minutes of play. Both teams came out somewhat cold from the floor, as such the halftime score was just 30-26 in favor of the Napa Valley Storm. The second stanza was equally as well played and close. Neither was able to gain any ground against the others as the game came down to the final minute. Trailing by just two, the Mariners had their chances but could not pull even in the last seconds.
Eric Mireri had a solid all-around game as he started at point guard. The freshman from Albany High had a game best 17 points on 5-12 shooting including 3-7 from distance. He chipped in six assists, four rebounds and two steals as well. Joey Potts had 10 points and eight rebounds while Kevin Kahriman had 11 points and five boards off the bench.
Napa had a balanced attack that saw seven players score six or more points. Armani Mills led the Storm with 13 points. Joe Fons had seven points, and 16 rebounds while Sasha French had a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds as well as four blocks.
The Mariners next game is against the Merritt College Thunderbirds at home on January 19th.