Mariners Men's Basketball began 2020 on the right note with a convincing win over their East Bay rivals from San Pablo. Four players scored in double figures for the Mariners as they led at halftime and at the final whistle in a 61-52 victory over the Contra Costa Comets. Jalen Chandler topped all Mariners with 15 points including a trio of made three pointers.
The Mariners and Comets both played excellent defense to begin the game. Neither team could dictate with their offense and as such points were at a premium in the first half. The score after 20 minutes of competition saw Marin on top of Contra Costa 30-26.
The second half carried on much like the first, Marin did not cede their lead, but Contra Costa did not shrink either. The game remained competitive through the final moments though it never appears the hosts would wrestle victory from the jaws of defeat. The Mariners held their ground and were rewarded with their first win of the 2020 calendar year.
Marin shot 38.2% from the floor and held their opponents to just 18 field goals and 36% shooting. Contra Costa did not hit a three pointer while the Mariners made eight of their own. The only statistic that saw the Comets with an advantage was from the free throw line where they made 16 of 24 tries. The Mariners were limited to just 11 of 23 tries from the charity stripe.
Individually Contra Costa's Rasheen Frazier led all scorers with 20 points on 9 of 14 shooting. Chandler led Marin with 14 on 6 of 15 shooting and Franco Barefield scored 12 with seven assists.
The Mariners recorded their first win in the Bay Valley Conference after a pair of losses to open the season.
Next up is a road date at the ever-dangerous Yuba College 49ers on Saturday, January 4th.