Stewart was sensational for Maine Maritime, scoring 18 of his 26 points in the first half. He shot 12-of-18 from the field and sank 2-of-3 from the free-throw stripe for the game.
The Mariners opened the game on fire, shooting 53.3 (16-30) in the first half. They led by as many as 18 points (30-12) following a Stewart jumper with 6:21 to go in the opening frame, but Mount Ida went on a 10-2 spurt to slice the lead to ten points (32-22) with 3:20 remaining in the half.
Maine Maritime extended a 38-26 halftime edge to 15 points on a three-pointer by junior Marc McCorrison (Knox, Maine), but Mount Ida exploded for an 11-0 run to get to within four points (41-37) just over three minutes into the second stanza. The Mariners built up a 15–point cushion (6-45) over the game’s next seven minutes. Mount Ida outscored the visitors 20-5 down the stretch, but it was not enough, as Maine Maritime held on for its fourth win in six chances.
The Mariners, who never trailed after taking a 3-1 lead 30 seconds into the game, shot 50.9% (29-57) from the floor. McCorrison drilled three treys en route to an 18-point day, as he and Stewart combined for 44 of the Mariners 70 total points in the contest. Senior B.J. Dunlap (Norridgewock, Maine) finished with eight points, five boards and three helpers, while sophomore Brandon Hall (Dover-Foxcroft, Maine) collected a game-best six boards for Maine Maritime.
Mount Ida received solid production from junior Doug Williams (Ellicot City, Md./St. Mary’s), who registered a club-high 18 points to go with five rebounds. Senior captain Matt McGaughran (Taunton, Mass./Coyle & Cassidy) chipped in with 13 points, while classmate Scott Chamberlain (Millis, Mass./Millis) rounded things out with an 11-point, five-rebound effort.
Mount Ida (4-15, 3-6 NAC) returns to action tomorrow, when it hosts league foe Husson College at 3:00 p.m. Maine Maritime (7-11, 4-5 NAC) will also take the court tomorrow, as it travels to Lasell College for a Conference macthup tipping off at 2:00 p.m.