Mariner's Men's Basketball battled in the Sierra Foothill on Saturday but could not defeat their hosts from Columbia College. The Mariners trailed by single digits down the stretch, but free throws and turnovers increased the deficit to 19 by the final whistle. Though the Mariners lost 87-68, they received excellent performances from the entire team six players scored eight or more in the game.
The Mariners and the Claim Jumpers played to a nearly even first half as the hosts from Columbia College held a slight 34-31 advantage after 20 minutes. The Mariners relied on precision shooting in the first half, while Columbia lived at the line.
The second half was much of the same for the first 15 minutes with Columbia holding a slight lead. The turning point in the game was in the final minutes as the Mariners could not buy a basket. Columbia struggled to make shots, but succeeded in a big way at getting to the line.
Down by just two possessions, the Mariners proceeded to foul Columbia shooters on three consecutive three pointers. The Claim Jumpers nailed all nine free throws and the Mariners could not rally. The foul game went in favor of Columbia and Marin went down 87-68.
The difference in the game was at the free throw line as Columbia made 31 of 39 shots while Marin made 13 of 24. That 18-point differential was the game.
Seth Coddington of Columbia recorded game highs with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Malik Ghiden led the Mariners with 14 points. Franco Barefield had 13 of his own with five assists while Jalen Chandler scored 11 with seven rebounds.
The Mariners continue their road trip with a neutral site game against the West Hills Lemoore Eagles on Sunday, November 10th.