Keelhaulers edged by Bobcats in final home game of 2023

VALLEJO, Calif. – Up 22-16 at halftime of Wednesday's Cal Pac Conference game at PEAC Main Gym, five lead changes took place throughout the second half in a hard-fought contest that remained within two possessions until UC Merced sank late free throws to pull away and defeat the Keelhaulers, 54-47. 

Cal Maritime will have a full day to prep for Friday's 7:30 p.m. game at Simpson and will head to Redding at 0-10 overall and 0-3 during league play. The Bobcats improved to 5-2 and 3-0 with its result.

Both teams took full advantage of their trips to the free throw line throughout the second half with CSUM connecting on 4 of 5 attempts; UC Merced hit 10 of 14 at the stripe with that differential nearly covering the Bobcats' margin of victory.

Lucky Hampton and Lunden Taylor led all Keelhaulers with 13 and 12 points apiece with the latter nearly posting a double-double by collecting a team-high nine rebounds.

Friday's game is the first of six straight taking place off campus throughout the next month since the team's next home game is slated for January 18 vs. Benedictine Mesa.

Included in that block of action outside of Vallejo are matchups against four Cal Pac teams, an exhibition event at Pacific and a designated home game that will take place at Pacific Union due to U.S. Coast Guard exams taking place at PEAC Main Gym.