WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – The St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball team delivered an impressive offensive performance Sunday night, defeating Hunter College 98-64 in the opening game of the Eastern Connecticut State University Holiday Invitational. The Seahawks (7-5) set a season-high in points with six players scoring in double figures.
Head Coach Chris Harney ’97, in his 20th season, is now one win away from reaching his 300th career victory. Harney, who holds a 299-205 record, will have the opportunity to achieve this milestone when the Seahawks face tournament host Eastern Connecticut State (7-2) in the championship game Monday, December 30, at 2 p.m.
Seahawks Jump Ahead Early
St. Mary’s wasted no time asserting dominance, launching a 19-0 run in the first five minutes and 24 seconds. Sophomore guard Kyree Smith (Baltimore, Md./City) fueled the early surge with 12 points. Hunter College struggled to find its footing and did not score until Casey Meyers made a free throw at the 13:23 mark.
The Seahawks maintained control throughout the first half, shooting a scorching 69.6% from the field (16-of-23). Junior captain JD Salo (Dunkirk, Md./Northern) capped off a 40-15 lead at the 6:39 mark with a layup. St. Mary’s entered halftime with a 46-30 advantage.
Second Half Seals the Victory
Hunter College (2-8) could not slow down the Seahawks’ offense in the second half. Sophomore guard Ben Kobil (Washington, D.C./Jackson-Reed) hit his first three-pointer of the season at the 4:29 mark, pushing the Seahawks’ lead to 90-60. St. Mary’s continued to outpace Hunter en route to their largest margin of victory this season.
Statistical Highlights
St. Mary’s displayed offensive efficiency throughout the game:
- The Seahawks shot a season-best 61.4% from the field (35-of-57) and tied their season-high with nine three-pointers, converting 60% from beyond the arc.
- The team recorded a second-best 19 assists and 10 steals, highlighting their teamwork and defensive efforts.
- Hunter College edged St. Mary’s on the boards, 42-35, but struggled to match the Seahawks’ offensive firepower.
Key Performances for St. Mary’s
- Yassine Idrissa (Rockville, Md./Wootton) led the Seahawks with 19 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
- Kyree Smith contributed 17 points, three assists, three rebounds, and a season-high two blocks.
- Jake Koverman (Severna Park, Md./Southern) added 13 points, seven rebounds, and career highs of three assists and two steals.
- Tjay Beckles (Baltimore, Md./Overlea) tallied 11 points, four assists, and two rebounds.
- James Lerner (Herndon, Va./Maret) and James Crimaudo (Riva, Md./Annapolis) each scored 10 points, with Crimaudo’s total marking a career high.
Hunter College Highlights
- Sal Saputo led all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks.
- Jack Meyers chipped in 12 points and six rebounds.
- Hunter College will face Anna Maria College in the consolation game Monday at 12 p.m.
What’s Next for the Seahawks
The Seahawks advance to the tournament championship, where they will face Eastern Connecticut State University (7-2) on December 30 at 2 p.m. in Geissler Gymnasium. Eastern defeated Anna Maria College 67-61 in the other opening-round game.
St. Mary’s will aim to secure the tournament title and deliver Coach Harney his 300th career victory in what promises to be an exciting finale.
