ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – In a commanding performance on Saturday, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball team surged to a season-high 96 points, defeating Penn State Berks with a 96-70 victory in their United East Conference series finale. This win, celebrated on Senior Day, elevated the Seahawks’ season record to 12-10, including a 7-2 tally within the UEC, while Penn State Berks fell to 3-17 and 2-8 in conference play.
The game began with a tribute to the Seahawks’ seniors for their dedication and leadership over the years. Gary Grant from Washington, D.C., Hollique Johnson of Glen Burnie, Md., and fifth-year captain Daryn Alexander from Twinbrook, Md., were all honored, with Alexander receiving a framed jersey in recognition of his contributions to the team.
The Seahawks demonstrated their dominance early on, quickly establishing an 18-3 lead. This initial burst was fueled by Johnson and Alexander, who together scored 12 points, while their defense restricted Berks to a single field goal within the first seven minutes. James Lerner, a promising first-year guard, further widened the gap with a three-pointer, pushing the lead to 22 points midway through the first half.
Despite a spirited comeback attempt from Berks, highlighted by a 13-3 run led by Marquis Ferreira, the Seahawks maintained control, concluding the first half with a 49-32 advantage. The second half saw Berks momentarily narrow the gap to five points, but St. Mary’s College swiftly countered, re-establishing a double-digit lead and ultimately cruising to a 26-point victory.
Key to the Seahawks’ success was their +20 rebounding margin and the strategic interior play that resulted in a 44-18 scoring margin in the paint. The team’s collaborative effort was also evident in their 20 assists on 34 field goals.
Daryn Alexander’s performance stood out as he led all scorers with 21 points, securing a double-double with 10 rebounds. Gary Grant and Jake Koverman also contributed significantly, with Grant adding 16 points and Koverman 11. Hollique Johnson dominated the glass, pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.
For Penn State Berks, Luke Collins and Marquis Ferreira led the scoring, with Collins coming off the bench to score 17 points and Ferreira adding 16.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks are set to host Gallaudet on February 7 in a game that will also serve as a Black History Month celebration. Following this, they will face a challenging away game against Penn State Harrisburg, a team currently boasting a 19-3 record and a perfect 9-0 in UEC play, on February 10. This upcoming schedule will test the Seahawks’ resilience and ability to build on their recent success as they continue their pursuit of excellence in the United East Conference.
