BRONXVILLE, N.Y. - The Sarah Lawrence men's basketball team dropped their first conference bout of the 2024-25 season on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Mariners of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in overtime by a score of 73-76. The Mariners tied the game in regulation as the final buzzer rang, before another final-second score gave them the win in overtime.

How it Happened

Gryphons dominated the early proceedings, jumping to a commanding 16-point lead by halftime, buoyed by a 34-point first-half performance led by Dean Furlong and Chris Dougherty. However, their offensive rhythm faltered in the second half, as the Merchant Marine steadily clawed back into contention, outscoring the Gryphons 44-28 to force overtime. In the final two minutes of regulation, Sarah Lawrence clung to a slim lead until Drew Zalescik of Merchant Marine tied the game at 62 with a put-back layup just before the buzzer. The overtime period saw the teams trading leads, with Zalescik delivering clutch baskets, including a go-ahead 3-pointer and crucial free throws. Despite a valiant effort, highlighted by a late three-pointer from Furlong to tie the game at 72, Merchant Marine's resilience prevailed. Zalescik's offensive rebound and put-back with one second left sealed their 76-73 victory, giving the Gryphons their first conference loss of the season.

Up Next

The Gryphons (9-6, Skyline 5-1) will return to action on Tuesday night as they head to Patchogue for a road matchup with the Golden Eagles of St. Joseph's Long Island. The team will then return to Bronxville for a noon matchup against the Bears of St. Joseph's Brooklyn on Saturday, January 25th.