Last-second defensive stop extends Keelhaulers' win streak

Cal Maritime will now face a quick turnaround because it will return to action Sunday night, at 7:30 p.m., to host Park University Gilbert in the second of three conference games in as many days throughout the holiday weekend. With wins in their last four games played, the Keelhaulers will enter that league matchup with a 5-5 overall and 1-0 Cal Pac record.

Benedictine Mesa will continue its Northern California road trip with respective records of 4-11 and 0-1 after falling to the Keelhaulers for the third time in the last four head-to-head matchups.

Leading up to that game-winning stop, Cal Maritime had plenty of fouls to give, which were used on timely occasions. Outstanding situational awareness from its players not only halted numerous plays in progress, which prevented the Redhawks from creating any kind of rhythm or flow leading up to their game-winning attempt, and forced them to inbound the ball twice to even create an opportunity to take the lead for good in the first place.

Norton's block provided a perfect snapshot of the Cal Maritime's night since it forced Benedictine Mesa to commit six of its 13 turnovers throughout the second half, including a pair in the final 44 seconds. By comparison, Cal Maritime's ball protection was phenomenal since it only turned the ball over five times throughout the entire game.

Balanced scoring from the Keelhaulers also frustrated Benedictine Mesa all night long as all five scorers, led by Divine Nwoko and Miles Pennington with 14 points, finished in double figures.

Trey Porter and Nwoko also led their with eight rebounds apiece and were collectively responsible for nearly half of the Keelhaulers' 33 boards.

Maurice Walton paced the Redhawks with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. 

Following Sunday night's game versus Park Gilbert, the Keelhaulers will end a busy weekend of basketball with a 7:30 p.m. home contest against Embry-Riddle.