NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Coast Guard men's basketball team suffered a 67-56 defeat to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) on Tuesday evening, dropping their record to 3-3 on the season. The game was tightly contested in the first half, but the Mariners took control after the break, pulling away for an 11-point victory. A major factor in the loss was the Bears' 21 turnovers, compared to just 11 by USMMA, which played a key role in the final outcome.

The opening period was a back-and-forth affair, with junior Trevor Parks hitting a three-pointer to begin the scoring. The Bears surged ahead with a 15-9 run, fueled by 8 points from junior Elijah Parent. However, the Mariners responded, eventually tying the game at 24. Parks then broke the tie with another three, and the teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the half. A USMMA basket with just 23 seconds left sent the teams into the break tied at 35 points apiece.

The Mariners came out firing in the second half, opening with a 17-2 run over the first 10 minutes to take a commanding 52-37 lead. The Bears showed resilience, however, as senior Declan Rooney knocked down two three-pointers to help spark an 11-0 run, closing the gap to 52-48. Despite the rally, USMMA's offense proved too much to overcome, and the Mariners held on for the 67-56 win.

Rooney led the Bears with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Parent added 11 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds.

The Bears (3-3) will look to bounce back this weekend, wrapping up their four game homestand with a 1 p.m. contest against Emerson on Saturday.