BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Nov. 29, 2025) – The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy women's basketball team defeated Medgar Evers College, 81-58, on Saturday on the first day of the Cougars' Dr. Betty Shabazz Tournament. The Mariners improve to 5-1 with the victory and advance to the championship game on Sunday, while the MEC falls to 0-6.
 
Game Link

• Box Score 

Sophomore Carolae Barton (Waldorf, Md.) led all players with 25 points while also bringing down eight rebounds and junior Emily Grasseler (Millbrook, N.Y.) recorded a double-double with 22 points (including 10-for-10 from the free-throw line) and a team-best 14 boards. Senior Hannah Ramsden (Port Aransas, Texas) contributed 18 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Breanna Sommers (Casa Grande, Ariz.) dished out a team-best five assists, while also bringing down eight boards.
 
USMMA shot 39.7 percent from the field and went 25-for-34 at the free-throw line, while Medgar Evers finished at 31.1 percent overall and just 2-for-14 from three-point range. The Mariners held a 51–41 rebounding advantage, including 22 offensive boards that led to a 24–9 margin in second-chance points. USMMA also forced 25 turnovers and turned them into 28 points, contributing to key edges in points in the paint (30–24) and bench scoring (11–7) that helped control the game throughout.
 
Merchant Marine controlled the first half by steadily building its lead after an early tie, using a balanced inside attack and consistent defensive pressure to create separation. Barton and Grasseler sparked the offense with multiple baskets in the lane, while Sommers and freshman Jaden Lodice (Littleton, Colo.) kept possessions alive on the glass to help the Mariners outscore Medgar Evers 24–13 in the first quarter and push the margin to 48–21 by halftime. Strong ball pressure throughout the half led to frequent turnovers and transition chances, allowing Kings Point to maintain momentum and extend its advantage before the break.
 
The Mariners carried their momentum through the second half, stretching the lead past 30 in the third quarter behind steady scoring from Barton, Grasseler and Ramsden, as Medgar Evers turnovers continued to create extra possessions. In the fourth, junior Sydney Brown (Northville, Mich.) scored early before the starters returned to stabilize the offense, and although Medgar Evers put together some late baskets, USMMA continued to finish inside and convert at the line to close out the 81–58 victory.
 
The Cougars were led by senior Alexis Davis, who scored 23 points to go along with a game-high 16 rebounds and three blocks. Junior Aaliyah Lyons scored 17 points and led all players on the afternoon with six assists and four steals.
 
The Mariners return to action tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 30, on day two of Medgar Evers' Dr. Betty Shabazz Tournament in Brooklyn. They will play #1 NYU beginning at 2 p.m. at the Cougars Cave.
 
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