College of Marin Basketball undertook the long drive to Marysville on Saturday to take on the Yuba College 49ers. The 7th ranked Yuba College showed little regard for the Mariners trip in an 81-45 beating over the weekend. There were some bright spots for Marin in the game as they kept within contact during the first half of play. The Mariners displayed balanced scoring up and down the roster but it was not enough to keep up with the 49ers' firepower.
Marin opened the game with a three and led for a good part of the first 10 minutes. The teams were tied at 15-15 before Yuba went on a run that gave them the lead for good. The hosts scored 14 of the next 16 points and opened up a 38-23 lead by halftime.
Marin fought back to begin the second, clawing to single digits, but Yuba responded with a huge outburst to take a 50-31 lead five minutes into the half. Yuba's defense clamped down as they added 13 consecutive points to their advantage. With 11 minutes remaining in the game Yuba led 63-33. At that point the final score was merely academic as the Mariners fought to keep the ball and execute their offense. Marin found a bit of the rhythm in the final minutes but that could not prevent them from falling in the game 81-45.
Yuba shot 43.3% from the floor in the game and made 10 three pointers. The Mariners found themselves limited to 31.3% from the floor and made only three shots from distance. Yuba also dominated at the line, making 13 free throws to Marin's two.
Four players scored in double digits for Yuba and two more added nine points. Alfonso Murrie led Marin in scoring with 12 points, as he also added 12 rebounds, and four assists. Jalen Chandler scored 11 points with four rebounds while Malik Ghiden chipped in nine points as well.
The loss dropped the Mariners to 1-3 in Bay Valley Conference competition and 7-8 overall on the season. Next up for Marin is a home date with the Los Medanos College Mustangs on Wednesday, January 8th.