Defense and free throws help Keelhaulers defeat rivals

VALLEJO, Calif. – Ten lead changes and 10 tied scores took place throughout Wednesday's designated non-conference game at PEAC Main Gym, and if it were not for a last-second defensive stop by Cal Maritime, those totals would have increased in a game the Keelhaulers won, 79-73.

After Ivan Soto broke a 73-73 tie by hitting a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left, Pacific Union raced down the court following a timeout with a chance to win the game.

Stout defense prevented Lorenzo Prado from creating space to get a clear shot off from three, with three seconds left in the game; by kicking his leg out on the attempt, Prado was whistled for clearing out his defender on the play. Even though Prado missed the snot, it did not matter as he was called for the foul, giving the ball back to the Keelhaulers in the process.

By hitting their final free throws of the night — Cal Maritime connected on 17 of 19 attempts — its cushion became the game's final score.

The Keelhaulers .895 free throw percentage is a single-game high for the season.

Men's basketball will experience a quick turnaround because it will host Whittier College Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. to end a brief December homestand.