The Keelhaulers of the California Maritime Academy lost a game that went down the wire as they fell to the Penguins of Dominican University 52-49 on Saturday night.  With the win, the Keelhaulers drop to 0-1 in California Pacific Conference play and Dominican improves to 2-0.

Maritime was led by John Stiles and Alex Raj who scored 16 points and 15 points respectively.  The duo also led the team with 5 rebounds each.  The two combined for 27 of the team's 35 second half points.  The Keelhaulers were also hurt by a first half that saw them only shoot only 19%.  Even with these shooting struggles, the game was a close, see-saw affair.  The Keelhaulers had the ball down by two points with 15 seconds and had an open three pointer with 5 seconds that rimmed out.

Dominican was led the reigning Cal Pac player of the year, Adam Chavis, who finished with 20 points and made big shot after big shot down the stretch. Senior Chris Demarco led the team in rebounds with 8.

"The result is not what we wanted.  However, our players fought tooth and nail and we had an open look from 3 to win the game.  I could not ask much more than that.  We have good shooters who will make shots that are not going down right now.  As long as we stay together and stay committed to the defensive end, this team will experience some very tangible rewards," commented Head Coach Bryan Rooney.

The team is back in action this Thursday as they take on the Pioneers of Pacific Union at 7:30pm in another California Pacific Conference contest.  This will be the last home game before the New Year.  Come support your Keelhaulers!