College of Marin Men's Basketball has made close games a habit this season. After beginning the year on the wrong end of several tight affairs, the Mariners have emerged as the triumphant side in recent history. Friday's game in Oakland was no different as the Mariners pushed past Merritt in the final minutes to win the game 72-70. Jalen Chandler had a double double for the Mariners in the win.
The game was close and competitive from the opening tip and neither team could pull away from the other. Marin was efficient from the floor in the first half, and the entire game as the team compiled a 50% shooting percentage over 40 minutes. They also limited their turnovers while keeping Merritt from getting an inordinate number of second chance opportunities.
Marin held a slim lead at the break but fell behind Merritt early on in the second half. They did not lose faith as Marin kept the game within striking distance down to the final minutes. Marin was fortunate to jump ahead and they fended off Merritt by making just enough free throws down the stretch to grab a 72-70 win.
Marin struggled from distance, making just four of 13 tries and left many points at the free throw line as they shot just 10 of 21. Marin did just enough to hold off Merritt and grab their third consecutive victory.
Chandler led Marin with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He added an assist, a steal and three blocks as well. Franco Barefield was the Mariners' second leading scorer with 15 points and he chipped in four boards, four assists and three steals.
The Mariners grabbed their 14th win of the season in 26 tries and moved to 8-7 in the Bay Valley Conference. They sit in fifth place behind College of Alameda. The Mariners host the Cougars in their final game of the season on Friday, February 21st at 5:30pm.