College of Marin Men’s Basketball team (2-3) finished strong, defeating Folsom Lake College 69-56. The Mariners defense wreaked havoc on the visiting Falcons (1-2). Folsom Lake never looked comfortable bringing the ball up the court and the Mariners defensive effort and rebounding triggered a surge of energy that segwayed to offensive scoring in transition. Daniel Fagan had a dominant offensive performance, netting a season high 31 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Folsom Lake made a run to close out the first half down 36-35 to the Mariners at half, but the Mariners surged to start the second half, going on a 10 to 1 run. Anton Williams showed another level of defensive and rebounding effort, battling a long and talented 6’9” Center for the Falcons. Williams finished with 10 points, and 7 rebounds. 

Tre McPherson had some outstanding moments turning great defense into offense, driving into the teeth of the Falcons long and lanky defense and finishing strong. McPherson finished with 12 points.

A pivotal moment of the game came off of a defensive hustle play by Marin, which seemed to suck any hope of a win for the Falcons. Midway through the second half, when the game was still within reach for Folsom Lake, the Falcons got a steal and took the ball on the fast break. Little did they know Blake Murray was sprinting down behind the play, ultimately swatting the ball off of the backboard. The hustle play of the game brought new energy to the surging Mariners who fed off of the momentum. Down the stretch, the Mariners put the ball in the trusty handle of Daniel Fagan, who had clutch buckets down the stretch to finish off the Falcons.