Clutch comeback leads to victory in OT

VALLEJO, Calif. – Trailing by four in Thursday's non-conference game at PEAC Main Gym, Landon Courtman's made free throw, pulled Cal Maritime within one possession of Bethesda with 14 seconds still left to play.

After the Keelhaulers forced the Flames to turn the ball over in their half of the court, Cetrick Yeanay drilled a three to even the score at 67 apiece to force overtime.

Once the extra session began, Cal Maritime jumped out to a two-point lead when Eric Norton sprinted from one end of the court to the other for an easy layup. Moments later, the Keelhaulers' advantage doubled when Norton scored another layup, in similar fashion, visibly frustrating the Flames in the process since all five players were simply out-hustled on that possession.

A pair of free throws from Pennington extended his team's lead to six; its defense prevented Bethesda from scoring its first points in overtime until there was one minute and 49 seconds remaining. At that point of the game, the Flames were forced to foul, and Cal Maritime kept them at bay until the final buzzer by sinking shots at the free throw line as the Keelhaulers emerged victorious in their first OT game of the season by an 82-74 score.

In addition to collecting a win in its second game played in as many days, Thursday's result improved Cal Maritime's record to 2-2. Bethesda will continue its Northern California road trip at 1-6.

By connecting on 10 of 19 shots from the floor, including the game-tying three in the waning seconds of regulation, Norton led all players with 25 points. Pennington ended his evening with 16 points, on 6 of 9 shooting overall and connected on all four trips to the line. Divine Nwoko chipped in another 13 by hitting 6 of 11 shots from the floor.

Mark Carter led Bethesda in scoring with 20 and finished with a game high-11 rebounds.

Off for the next few days, Cal Maritime will return to action on Monday, November 15, when William Jessup visits PEAC Main Gym for a 7:30 p.m. non-conference tilt.