New York, NY – Led by senior Zach Wyatte’s 21 points and eight rebounds, the United States Merchant Marine Academy men’s basketball team earned its first win of the season Sunday afternoon in the consolation game of the NYU Thanksgiving Tournament versus Elmira College, 83-72.
Unlike Saturday night’s loss to Polytechnic, USMMA jumped out to a fast start and never looked back despite giving up the lead twice in the first half. Kings Point got a lift in the opening minutes by senior Lou DeCarlo, who scored four of the Mariners’ first eight points in an 8-0 run to start the game. Elmira would take its first lead of the day midway through the period courtesy a Micah Owens lay up. EC enjoyed the lead for a few minutes before Kings Point went on a 14-3 run to reclaim a double-point advantage and the momentum.
The Mariners enjoyed a nine-point (47-38) lead at recess.
In the second stanza, USMMA enjoyed its largest lead of the day (14 points) courtesy a Brian Kelly three pointer with 17:53 remaining. Elmira pulled as close as six points 7-3 run capped by a Joe Prunier three ball with 8:02 left. Following three made freebies by Pat Grace, who was fouled on a three point attempts to up the lead back to nine, Elmira went on another spurt to pull within five, 68-63. But the hill would be too steep to climb. USMMA responded with a spurt of its own to match their largest lead of the day en route to the nine point victory.
In addition to Wyatte’s game-high 21 points, four other Mariners notched double-figures in the win. DeCarlo, Tricarico and Kelly recorded 13 points each, while Grace added 12 off the bench.
The victory can be attributed to USMMA’s stellar shooting from the field (28-of-58/48%). Elmira (0-3) was led by Owens who notched a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mariners return to action on Wednesday for their home opener versus RPI at 6:30 p.m.