Stellar shooting propels Keelhaulers to victory in season opener

SAN DIMAS, Calif. – Cal Maritime opened Saturday's season opener in San Dimas shooting 60 percent from the floor in the first half and continued its efficient shooting performance after halftime by hitting half of its 30 attempts throughout the second half to defeat Life Pacific, 84-80.

Do not led the final score fool you: The Keelhaulers dominated this non-conference matchup at Hicks Center as it held the lead for all but the opening couple minutes after tip-off and for all but a couple of minutes in the second half.

After the hist Warriors hit back-to-back free throws to take a 74-73 lead with 3:19 remaining, the Keelhaulers responded with consecutive layups from Nick Stone and Luka Popovic with a turnover from Life Pacific sandwiched between Cal Maritime possessions.

Following a missed three-pointer from the Warriors, the Keelhaulers responded with a Popovic three — he ended the night with 15 points — to all but officially seal the result with 49 seconds left to play.

Jordan Morency's Cal Maritime debut was an impressive one because he and Stone scored 18 points and finished two behind Lawrence Long's team-high 20. Long also led all players with nine rebounds.

After the Keelhaulers return home on Sunday it will have four days to prepare for its home opener against Lincoln (CA). Thursday night's non-conference game at PEAC Main Gym will start at 7 p.m.