College of Marin Men's Basketball began their BVC Title Run on Friday in Ukiah. The Mariners visited the Mendocino College Eagles and received a less than desirable greeting. The teams played even in the first half, but a late run by the Eagles put Marin on the wrong side of an 86-76 final score. It was a solid offensive effort by the Mariners with three players posting 18 or more points, but it was not enough to record their first win of the 2019-2020 BVC Season.
Defense was at premium for both teams in the first half as offenses flowed and defenses sagged. The result was a 40-40 halftime score for the game.
The second half began much like the first, but the Mariners' short bench grew weary as the game progressed. Mendocino's depth became the decisive factor as the game wound down. The Mariners' shot did not connect, while the Eagles lived at the line down the stretch. Marin could not rally past their hosts and fell 86-76.
The Mariners shot 43.3% from the field in the game, better than Mendocino's 40%. The deciding factor was the free throw line as Marin made 13 of 20 shots while Mendocino connected on 30 of 36 tries.
Mendocino had four players in double figures in the game. Jalen Chandler led the Mariners with 23 points on 9 of 19 shooting. Franco Barefield filled up the score sheet with 21 points, three boards, four assists and five steals. Alfonso Murrie added 18 points and five rebounds.
The loss evened the Mariners' overall record at 6-6 on the season.
Next up for Marin is home date against the Napa College Storm on Saturday, December 28th.