Mariners Drop Lead Late to Contra Costa 85-81

College of Marin Men's Basketball has had its share of close games in the past week. After defeated Solano 80-79 and falling to Yuba 77-74, Marin played yet another close game. The Mariners led the Comets 78-70 with four minutes remaining on Thursday, but ultimately fell by four, 85-81.

The Mariners opened the game on top, taking an early lead 19-17 before a nice run fueled by Joey Potts extended their advantage to 25-17. The Comets pulled within two at 29-27 before Marin answered with a 9-4 run to take a 38-81 lead into halftime. Derek Morgan had ten first half points, RJ Cutkelvin had six and Eric Mireri had five points in the first half.

The second half started out all Marin, as they opened the half with a 12-4 run to take a 50-35 lead, capped by a three pointer by Mireri. They maintained their advantage through the first ten minutes of the second half and led 60-46 with 10:41 remaining. The Comets began to chip away, as Marin led 67-56 with 6:45 left in regulation. Marin held an eight point lead with four minutes remaining but Contra Costa whittled it down to 79-77. Garrick Sherrod hit a pair of free throws to push the lead back to 81-77 with two minutes left.

A layup by Contra Costa's Jordan Strane cut the lead to 81-79. After a Mariners turnover, Jovell Vance hit a corner three pointer to give the Comets an 82-81 lead. Marin failed to score and Vance split free throws to put the visitors up 83-81 with 16 ticks left on the clock. The Mariners used their possession to find Morgan in the left corner. His baseline drive and short range shot was off target and Contra Costa secured the rebound forcing the Mariners to foul with 0.4 seconds left. Matthew Murray hit a pair of free throws to seal the game for the Comets 85-81.

Morgan led the Mariners with 19 points, Mireri added 18, while Sherrod, Cutkelvin and Jaime Banegas all scored in double figures on the evening. Vance led Contra Costa with 27 points including eight three pointers on the evening.

Marin has a few days off before they travel to face the Napa Valley Storm on Wednesday, January 17^th.