Hartford, Conn. – Senior swingman David Smith (Lakewood, Wash.) had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals to lead the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners to a  to a 67-60 victory over the visiting Trinity College Bantams in men's basketball action this evening.  Trinity falls to 14-5 with its first loss in eight games and their fourth setback in a row against the Merchant Marine, while the Mariners improve to 9-9 while snapping a two-game losing skid.

Trinity shot 29.3 percent from the field, including 26.9 percent in the first half, and trailed at the break, 38-23.  The Bantams also made just three shots from long range in 14 attempts and turned the ball over 19 times, although the Trinity defense forced 21 turnovers by Merchant Marine.  Trailing, 56-31, with 8:34 left in the game, Trinity closed the game with a 29-11 run. 

The Bantams did not have a double-digit scorer, and were led by senior captains Shay Ajayi (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Jaquann Starks (Hartford, Conn.) with eight points apiece.  Ajayi also blocked two shots, while junior forward  Ed Ogundeko (Brooklyn, N.Y.) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.  Senior Preston Padgett (Leavenworth, Texas) had 12 points and classmate Scott Dennin (Gilbertsville, Pa.) added 10 points and five steals for the Mariners.