The Mariners have been on a winning streak in their recent conference matchups, bringing their record to 2-1 in Bay Valley Conference play. Their first triumph came in a thrilling home opener on January 3rd, as they faced off against the College of Alameda Cougars on the Don Barksdale Court, ultimately securing a hard-fought 75-70 victory.
Despite facing a 6-point deficit at halftime, the Mariners displayed resilience and determination. The Cougars extended their lead by 15 points in the first ten minutes of the second half, creating a challenging situation for the home team. However, a pivotal steal followed by a quick two points from Justin Aquino injected new energy into the game, rallying both the players on the court and the enthusiastic crowd in the stands.
In a late-game surge, the Mariners managed to tie the score at 68 with a pair of clutch free throws from Tre McPherson, leaving just 1:36 on the clock. The defining moment came with a corner three-pointer from Aquino, propelling the Mariners into the lead and ultimately securing the victory. This hard-fought win exemplified the collective effort and tenacity of the Mariners, showcasing their commitment to giving their all until the final buzzer.
Key contributors in this impressive victory included Tre McPherson, who delivered a stellar performance with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Justin Aquino added 17 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal, while Cobi Wilson chipped in with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Logan Coverson contributed 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals, and Aadam Coulibaly provided a solid all-around performance with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. Devin Mims contributed 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists to round out the team effort.
Undeterred by the short turnaround, the Mariners embarked on a road journey just two days after their hard-fought home victory, squaring off against the Merritt College Panthers in what proved to be another challenging encounter. Undoubtedly, the Mariners showcased their resilience once again, emerging victorious with a final score of 78-63 and notching their second conference win of the season.
Tre McPherson, the standout performer, continued his stellar form with an outstanding career-high 31 points. The sharpshooter showcased his prowess from the free-throw line, boasting an impressive 85% accuracy by sinking 12 of 14 attempts. McPherson's all-around contribution extended beyond scoring, as he tallied 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal, further solidifying his impact on the game.
Adding to the offensive firepower, sophomore Cobi Wilson displayed his scoring versatility by contributing 16 points, complemented by 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Wilson's well-rounded performance not only bolstered the Mariners' offensive efforts but also underscored his defensive prowess and ability to impact various facets of the game.
Devin Mims, a consistent contributor, reached double digits for the Mariners with 10 points and secured 8 rebounds, showcasing his reliability on both ends of the court. Denim Tuala-Fata stood tall in the rebounding department, leading the team with a season-high 10 boards and ensuring the Mariners maintained control in the battle for possession.
With this impressive victory in the rearview mirror, the Mariners now set their sights on their next challenge. Up next on the schedule is a clash with the Mendocino College Eagles, scheduled for Wednesday, January 10th, at 7:30 PM at the Don Barksdale Court in Kentfield, CA.