It was two weeks between games for College of Marin Men's Basketball, but the layoff did little to slow them down. The Mariners defeated the De Anza College Dons 76-69 on Wednesday evening in Cupertino despite not playing since November 20th. Franco Barefield led the way for the Mariners with 20 points while six others each scored six or more in their own right. Marin won their second straight game, and fourth of the season.
De Anza scored the first basket of the game, but Marin responded with a quick 8-0 run to take control in the first half. They did not relinquish their lead in the opening half as they 16-8 just eight minutes into the game. Marin pushed their lead to 23-12 with eight minutes remaining in the half before De Anza rallied within four at 30-26. The Mariners kept their calm and reeled off the last six points of the half to go to the locker room with a 36-26 advantage.
The Dons started the second half with a push, and came within one possession at 40-37 in favor of Marin before the visitors pushed back with seven in a row to retake a double-digit lead. Despite outplaying De Anza, the Mariners could not put the game away as the Dons remained in touch. Marin led by nine at 66-57 under two minutes remaining before the foul line became the ultimate decider. De Anza got within four at 67-63 with a minute left. The ultimate parade to the free throw line extended the game's duration, but not its eventual outcome. Marin made their free throw shots down the stretch and game away with a 76-69 road victory.
Barefield and Julian Bryant were clutch in the final minutes at the line. The two combined to take 16 free throws and made 13. Bryant was a perfect 7-7 and finished the game with 16 points and six rebounds. Barefield had an efficient 20 points on 13 shots and added two assists and four steals on the day. Ethan Battistini was the other double-digit scorer for the Mariners with 12 points and four rebounds.
Next up for Marin is a visit to the Chabot College Gladiators on Saturday, December 7th.