BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Jan. 14, 2026) – The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men's basketball team won its road Skyline Conference tilt at St. Joseph's-Brooklyn on Wednesday night, 65-61. The victory improves the Mariners' record to 5-9 (2-3 Skyline), while the Bears fall to 3-11 (0-5 Skyline) in defeat.
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Three players scored in double-figures for USMMA, with freshman
Jack Flannery (McKinney, Texas) leading all players in the game with 15 points. Sophomores
Mason Lavergne (Baton Rouge, La.) and
Aaron Zalescik (Lambertville, N.J.) added 13 points and 12 points, respectively. Fellow sophomore
Tim Barton (Waldorf, Md.) just missed out on a double-double with nine points and a game-high 15 rebounds and freshman
Richard Sykes Jr. (Tampa, Fla.) chipped in with nine points off the bench.
Merchant Marine controlled much of the opening half despite a slow start shooting the ball, using strong work on the glass and second-chance opportunities to build momentum on the road. After St. Joseph's-Brooklyn briefly moved in front midway through the period, the Mariners responded with a steady stretch of stops and timely baskets to reclaim the lead. USMMA closed the half on a decisive run over the final six minutes, turning a one-point deficit into a 36-33 advantage at the break.
The Mariners carried that rhythm into the early stages of the second half, extending the margin with consistent interior scoring and defensive rebounds that limited Brooklyn to one-and-done possessions. A push midway through the period allowed USMMA to stretch the lead to double digits, as the visitors continued to win extended possessions and control the tempo. Even as St. Joseph's looked to answer, Merchant Marine repeatedly came up with key defensive rebounds to maintain separation.
Down the stretch, the hosts made several attempts to cut into the deficit, closing within two possessions in the final minutes. The Mariners, however, remained composed, securing crucial rebounds, limiting clean looks, and converting just enough late opportunities to hold their lead. USMMA closed out the final seconds to preserve the 65-61 conference road win.
USMMA shot 43.4 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from three-point range while finishing even on the boards at 39-39, despite St. Joseph's-Brooklyn holding a notable edge at the free-throw line. The Mariners matched the Bears in points in the paint and held advantages in points off turnovers (16-12), while KP led for over 29 minutes and withstood a late push to secure the road win.
Freshman Justin Munson led St. Joseph's-Brooklyn with 13 points off the bench, while classmate Jacob Idowu added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Adam Jasaraj contributed six points and a team-high six assists to go along with six rebounds in the loss.
The Mariners return to action this Saturday, Jan. 17, when they travel to the Bronx to take on Mount St. Vincent. Tipoff is scheduled for 12-noon at the Dolphins' Peter Jay Sharp Athletic Center Gym.
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