Keelhaulers edged in Saturday's Cal Pac clash vs. Simpson

VALLEJO, Calif. – Saturday's home game against Simpson featured the top two teams from the Cal Pac's North Division, fans were treated to a thriller all evening long inside PEAC Main Gym.

Even though the visiting Red Hawks jumped out to a game-high 12 point lead in the final minutes of the first half, since they sank six shots from distance compared to Cal Maritime's one, the Keelhaulers displayed their grit once the game resumed after halftime and chopped that deficit to one midway through the half, thanks to a three from Amil Fields.

That shot capped a 16-6 run for Cal Maritime, which started with layups on consecutive possession from Fields and Nwoko, followed by another Fields three and a jumper from Trey Porter, who connected from the top of the key and forced Simpson to call timeout moments later. 

By connecting on another pair of shots from behind the arc, Fields was singlehandedly responsible for a 6-0 scoring outburst that pulled the Keelhaulers within one at 55-54.

Fields led all players with 18 points and was one of four Cal Maritime players to finish in double figures. Divine Nwoko connected on 6 of 8 shots from the floor, and 2 of 3 from distance to add another 14 points for his team; Cetrick Yeanay and Porter ended their night with 10 points apiece.

This game remained tight until the three-minute mark when a three from Dylan Banks and a desperation heave from JT Branch, to beat the shot clock, extended Simpson's lead from three to eight, which ultimately became the Red Hawks' margin of victory since Nwoko's three was matched by a layup and free throw from the visitors that led to the game's final score.

Cal Maritime will continue the final homestand of the season with records of 10-7 overall, 5-2 in league play, and will face an opportunity to split the season series when it heads to Redding on February 16. Simpson improved to 11-6 and 6-2 with Saturday's result.

The Keelhaulers will host UC Merced on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. tip) and Pacific Union on Feb. 12 (8:30 p.m.) before meeting the Red Hawks once again in the first of a season-ending three-game road swing that also includes stops at La Sierra on February 19 and Antelope Valley two days later.