KINGS POINT, N.Y.--  Coast Guard men's basketball remains undefeated after a 69-42 victory over rival, Merchant Marine Academy. The Bears are now 6-0 and are off to the best start since the 2007-2008 campaign.

Coast Guard was led by junior Packy Witkowski with a game-high 21 points, going 7-14 from the field and 5-11 from behind the arc. Senior Nolan Benson and junior Justin Kane had nine points each. Kane tallied a team-high, six rebounds and Benson went 4-8 from the field.

Merchant Marine opened the game on a 14-2 run led by Seth Barnes and James Walsh. Witkowski answered by scoring two three-pointers, a jump shot, and two free-throws to bring the Bears within reach, trailing 14-12. Kane and junior Noah Baldez made back-to-back layups for Coast Guard to take their first lead of the game to make it 18-17. To finish the first half, Coast Guard went on a 10-4 run to hold a 31-21 score at halftime.

The Mariners opened the second half with a quick five points but Witkowski and Benson, combined for eight points to increase a 13-point lead, 39-26. The Bears were unstoppable to continue the second half where they outscored Merchant Marine 38-21. Coast Guard shot 22-57 (38.6%) from the field and 10-26 (38.5%) from three point range. The Bears also held the advantage in rebounds, 44-39 and had 22 of their points coming from the bench.

The Bears will return to action on Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 PM when they host Conn. College. Merchant Marine will also play again on Thursday December 6 at 7:00 PM when they travel to Framingham State.