Cal Maritime Captures Cal Pac Championship
After Thursday's thrilling victory at Simpson, the Cal Maritime men's basketball team earned a share of the California Pacific Conference title. However, in order to win the title outright, the Keelhaulers needed to defeat William Jessup in Rocklin. Playing determined basketball, especially in the second half, the Keelhaulers proved victorious with a 64-55 victory over William Jessup. The win moves Cal Maritime's record to 24-5 and 11-1. The conference championship marks the third year in a row that Cal Maritime has captured either a regular season or conference tournament championship.
Leading the way for the Keelhaulers was Grant Blaser, who scored 19 points and was a perfect 8-for-8 shooting free throws. Erik Hanson had 13 points, while Anthony Simi contributed with 10 points. Jaquai Wiley had nine points of his own for Cal Maritime, who won their third straight league title.
The Keelhaulers did an excellent job of attacking the offensive glass finishing with 10 offensive rebounds and outrebounding William Jessup 33-23. Cal Maritime's defense also played a significant role as William Jessup was held to 39 percent shooting from the floor.
"We are extremely proud of our guys. William Jessup has an excellent team and it was a tremendous college basketball atmosphere. Our team did a good job of establishing a collective defensive identity and taking our time on the offensive end in the second half. We are thrilled to bring a banner back home but absolutely understand that much more is capable of being accomplished by this group," explained head coach Bryan Rooney.
Cal Maritime is back in action two weeks from tonight as they head to Menlo College to begin the California Pacific Conference tournament. Having earned the #1 seed, the Keelhaulers will take on host and #4 Menlo. Tip off for the March 1st contest has yet to be determined.
Go Keelhaulers!