Box Score CASTINE, ME --- Brendan Newcomb scored a game-high 31 points behind 17-of-19 shooting from the free-throw line to lead Maine Maritime Academy past Thomas College, 74-64, on Tuesday night in the North Atlantic Conference opener for both schools.
Maine Maritime grabbed lead out of the gate as Dylan Stevens hit from behind the arc and Tyler Gilson converted a traditional three-point play to give the Mariners a 6-0 lead.
It took nearly four minutes for Thomas to get on the board before Carlos Gonzalez finally ended the drought with a layup with 16:08 to play in the half.
The Terriers drew even at 10-10 on a Justin Murray three-pointer with 13:00 remaining but the Mariners responded with a 13-5 run to take a 23-15 lead. Brendan Newcomb had six points during the stretch on a three-pointer and a trio of free throws.
Thomas cut the lead to five on a handful of occasions but could get no closer and Maine Maritime took a 35-25 lead into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, the Mariners maintained their lead by connecting on 18 of 28 opportunities at the free-throw line compared to just 11-of-16 for Thomas.
Thomas won the battle on the boards, 36-32, but committed 30 fouls -- 19 in the second half -- which allowed Maine Maritime to spend the majority of the period in the bonus.
The Terriers were led by 14 points from Adam Carlsen, while Tyheem Simon added 12 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals. Simon also had seven of Thomas' 15
turnovers. Carlos Gonzalez fell just short of a double-double for the third consecutive game, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds. Thomas was without the services of senior guard Levi Barnes due to illness. Barnes is averaging 17.0 points and 4.0 rebounds through five games this season.
Newcomb had six field goals, including a pair of three-pointers, to go with his 17 free throws. He also had four rebounds, a pair of assists and a pair of steals. Tyler
Thayer added 12 points, while Dylan Price pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.
Thomas returns to the court for a pair of games this weekend as the team makes the first of two trips to Vermont this season. The Terriers face Green Mountain at 7:30 p.m. Friday before facing Castleton at 3 p.m. Saturday.
