NEW LONDON, Conn. -- The Coast Guard Men's basketball team lost a hard fought game to the Lions of Emerson with a score of 81-76 in NEWMAC action today, at Alumni Gym. The game was a back and forth affair with the Bears grabbing their biggest lead of the game (six points) with 6:41 to go in the first half. Emerson rallied late with a flurry of three point shots to take an eight point lead into the half.  Coming out of the half both teams struggled a bit offensively before Emerson got control of the game and pushed their lead to 13 with just under 15 minutes to go in the game.  The Bears kept fighting back with some key defensive stops and some timely shooting to cut into the lead.  After a 10 second backcourt violation on Emerson, the Bears had the ball with 28.2 seconds, down by three points (77-74).  The Bears drove to the rim and had their shot blocked.  Emerson would connect on four free throws in the final 23 seconds to seal the victory.

Emerson was led in scoring by Nate Martin (22) and Max Davis (19).  Brendan McNamara contributed 15 points and Jarred Houston recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.  The Bears were led in scoring by First Year Elijah Parent who had 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals in the game.  Joining Parent in double figures were Sophomore Cameron Brown with 13 points, Abe Countryman with 12 points and seven rebounds and Sohomore Declan Rooney with 10 points and five assists.

Both teams shot 50% from the floor in the second half and both teams shot very well from the three point line from the game with Emerson shooting 40.9% (9-22) and the Bears shooting 40% (10-25).  Emerson held the advantage at the free throw line connecting on 22-27 shots while the Bears were 6-7.  Emerson is now 2-0 in NEWMAC play while the Bears are 1-1.

The Bears will be back in action in Alumni Gym on Wednesday January 11th at 7pm against MIT.