The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team loosened its grip on first place in the Capital Athletic Conference standings on Saturday, falling 61-57 to Salisbury University at the Anderson Center. The Eagles fall to 15-6 overall and 10-2 in CAC action.
The Eagles came out flat and trailed throughout the first half, cutting the deficit to four in the waning minutes before the Sea Gulls opened the lead backl to eight at halftime, 29-21. UMW shot just 25% from the floor in the first half, and made just 5-11 free throws.
In the second, UMW fell behind by as many as 16, but climbed back to within two at 51-49 with 3:09 left. Salisbury returned the lead to as many as six before sophomore Bradley Riester hit a three pointer with 10 seconds left to cut the deficit back to two at 59-57. But the Sea Gulls hit a pair of free throws in the final seconds to clinch the game.
In all, UMW shot 33.9 % (21-62) from the floor, including 5-19 on three pointers, and went 10-17 from the free throw line. UMW was led by Riester's 12 points, while freshman Taylor Johnson also reach double figures with 11. Tad Dickman had seven rebounds to lead the hosts. Salisbury was led by Trent Epps' 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Eagles will return to action on Wednesday when they visit Hood College at 8:00 p.m. in another CAC tilt.