SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Men's Basketball put forth a strong effort but ultimately fell 88-76 to SUNY ESF at The HUB Athletics Center on Saturday afternoon.

SUMMARY

The Seawolves kept pace in the first half, heading into halftime tied 36-36 after battling through seven lead changes. However, SUNY ESF came out in the second half, shooting 66.7% from three-point range. Patrick Emery led SUNY ESF with 29 points and 9 rebounds, while Antonio Franco added 23 points and 7 rebounds.  

For SMCC, Charlie Houghton (Dixfield, Maine) recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Cole Pulkinen (Hebron, Maine) contributed 16 points, including a clutch layup late in the game to tie the score at 65. Julius Silva (Biddeford, Maine) also made a key three-pointer at the 10:36 mark in the second half to spark a Seawolves rally.  

SUNY ESF's perimeter shooting in the second half ultimately sealed the visitor's victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. Silva opened the game with an early three-pointer, while Sean Bosia (Dracut, Mass.) and Houghton anchored the Seawolves in the paint. A late jumper from Thomas Martinotti (Harwinton, Conn.) tied the game at the break. 

In the second half, SUNY ESF took control behind their perimeter shooting and fast-paced offense. Silva's three-pointer with 10 minutes left in the game shifted momentum back to SMCC. A critical defensive stop by Pulkinen at 7:56 led to the tying layup, but SUNY ESF responded with back-to-back three-pointers to pull away in the final minutes.  

LOOKING AHEAD  

The Seawolves (6-14, 5-7 YSCC) will return to action on Wednesday, January 29, when they visit NHTI for a YSCC conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM.