KING'S POINT, N.Y. – The Sarah Lawrence men's basketball team rallied back from a 16-point second half deficit Wednesday, extending its win streak to five games with a 61-51 victory at Merchant Marine at Liebertz Gym. Andrew Varoli scored a season-high 20 points, as the Gryphons improve to 12-7 overall and 10-4 in Skyline play.

TOP GRYPHON PERFORMANCES
Varoli was sensational for the Gryphons, knocking down 6-of-8 three-point attempts. A Skyline Rookie of the Week recipient, Varoli has made four of more attempts from beyond the arc in six games this season.

Omar Jamaleddine, the reigning Skyline Rookie of the Week, finished with 18 points while grabbing seven boards. The first-year also contributed two assists, two blocks and a steal.

Enike Anyia, the Skyline and MBWA Player of the Week, played all but two minutes, contributing six points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Isaiah Pean had a strong shooting night, making all three of his field goal attempts for seven points. Jelani Jackson contributed six points on a pair of 3-pointers, while Austin Jones dished out four assists while recording a field goal.

RECAP
Sarah Lawrence, who entered the day No. 2 in the league standings, yet again overcame a double-digit deficit to pick up the victory. Merchant Marine controlled the first half of play, scoring the first nine points of the evening en route to an 11-2 lead in the opening minutes. The Mariners led by as much as 12 in the first half, taking a 34-24 lead into intermission.

The Gryphons picked it up on both ends of the court in the second period, shooting 52-percent, while stifling Merchant Marine to 21%, including a 1-of-16 mark from outside.

Sarah Lawrence got strong contributions from its first-years in the final frame, as Varoli and Jamaleddine combined to score 26 of the squad's 37 second half points, outscoring Merchant Marine 37-17 overall.

Merchant Marine opened up a 16-point advantage (40-24) with 18:15 remaining in the half. The Gryphons battled back, outscoring the Mariners 19-3 over 7:28 to tie the game 43-43 with 10:47 left in regulation.

Sarah Lawrence continued to have it going offensively, pulling away with a 12-4 spurt to lead 55-47 with 1:44 left on the clock. The Gryphons hit free throws down the stretch, including the final six from Jamaleddine and Varoli to secure the win.

It's the second series sweep of a Skyline opponent this season and the third sweep in team history. Two of the Gryphons' three sweeps have come against the Mariners.

Sarah Lawrence continues to extend several team records, including wins (12), conference wins (10), road wins (6) and winning streak (5).

UP NEXT
Sarah Lawrence has a six-day layoff, returning to action on Jan. 29 at Old Westbury.