THROGGS NECK, NY - The Maritime College men's basketball team picked up a crucial Skyline Conference victory on Tuesday night as they defeated Mount Saint Mary by a score of 73-71. The Privateers improved to 10-12 overall and 6-7 in conference play, which keeps them tied for the third spot in the north division with Sarah Lawrence.

Right from the opening tip-off, both teams showed a physical brand of basketball, which resulted in a slow start offensively. After ten minutes of play, the Knights held the early advantage by a score of 14-7. However, a 7-0 run led by an and-one layup by Chris Ruscillo (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place) tied the game at 14 for the Privateers. After tying up the game, Nicholas Ovanessian (Bayside, N.Y./St. Francis Prep) took over on offense for Maritime as he shot 5-5 from the field to begin his first half performance.

As the Privateers led by seven points with a minute left, Mount Saint Mary made a run to close the half as they scored a quick four points to make it 32-29 with 23 seconds left to play. However, Maritime got the last say as Jaylin Gray (Brooklyn, NY/Nazareth) drove to the rim and kicked it out to Mike Regan (Dix Hills, N.Y./St. Anthony's) who was spotted up in the corner. Regan's three as time expired gave the Privateers a 35-29 at the break.

Despite the last second momentum shift for Maritime, it was Mount Saint Mary who took control in the second half. The Knights went on to lead by as much as 12 points with 12 minutes left to play. The Privateers quickly chipped into that lead though as a transition three from Brennan Whelan (Northport, N.Y./Northport) fueled an 11-0 run. Although Maritime cut the lead to one point with just over nine minutes left, they didn't take the lead until 1:26 left in the game. A drive and dish from Whelan to Griffin McNally (Huntington Station, N.Y./Walt Whitman) gave the Privateers a 70-69 lead and strong play down the stretch sealed the win.

Free throws by Whelan and McNally down the stretch and solid defense by Maritime kept their playoff hopes alive as they head towards a big matchup at Sarah Lawrence on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Brendan McGovern (Seaford, N.Y./St. John the Baptist) led the Privateers offense with 21 points, while Ovanessian added 12 points off the bench on 6-8 shooting. To see the full Skyline Conference standings, click here.