The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team dropped a 65-53 decision at St. Mary's College in Capital Athletic Conference action on Saturday in St. Mary's City, Md.
The Eagles fell behind early but kept the margin tight. UMW trailed, 9-8, after a Brent Mahoney three pointer with 15:21 remaining in the half. But St. Mary's answered with a 12-2 run to up their lead to 21-10 with 10:41 left.
After the teams traded three pointers, a pair of free throws gave SMC a 29-15 lead with 8:14 on the clock. The Eagles answered with 15 straight points to take the lead at 30-29, thanks in part to three pointers from Mahoney, Taylor Johnson, and John Lutkenhaus. The Seahawks rgained the lead and upped their margin to five at 35-30 on a last-second three pointer.
Mahoney made a pair of three pointers to start the second half, and cut the deficit to 39-38 with 17:13 remaining. The Seahawks maintained their lead but could not extend it, as each time SMC gained a two-possession lead, the Eagles would answer.
The Eagles cut the deficit to 53-51 on an Emerson Burk jumper with 4:15 left, but the hosts capped the game with a 12-2 run for the victory.
Mahoney led the Eagles with 12 points on 4-8 shooting (4-7 on three pointers). Johnson also reached double figures with 10 points for UMW. St. Mary's was led by Nick LaGuerre's 28.
The Eagles shot 39.1% (18-46) from the floor, making 9-22 three pointers, and went 8-10 from the free throw line. St. Mary's shot 40.4% (21-52), making 9-26 three pointers, and went 14-25 free throws. The Seahawks led in rebounds, 36-31.
Mary Washington will return to action on Wednesday when they visit Virginia Wesleyan College at 6:00 p.m.