By Claire Mattox
Elm Staff Writer
The Washington College men’s basketball team started off the season with a tough loss at home to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The stands were packed as the Shoremen continued to fight against the Seahawks, getting the lead down to one with 17 seconds remaining. The Shoremen got a chance at a last second shot, but the Seahawks closed out and ended the game with a 4-point margin. Senior Sal Schittino had a game-high 17 points while Chris Olsen had 16 points in the loss. Freshman Mark Henry had a great rookie opener with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
In the Shoremen’s second game of the season, against Goucher, senior Kevin Breslin took over. With just under four minutes remaining, Washington was down by three. Breslin went on to score the final 13 points of the game for the Shoremen, including the game-winning lay up with three seconds left to beat the Gophers 75-73. Also in double figures for the game were Sal Schittino (13), Tony Hawkins (11), Chris Olsen (11) and Adam Naymick (10).
The Shoremen breezed by in their next game against Stevenson University with two 20-point performances. Kevin Breslin had 22 points to lead the game while Sal Schittino had 20 points in the 81-62 performance. Washington College placed fifth in the Pride of Maryland Tournament with the win.
In their Centennial Conference opener, the Shoremen hosted #17 ranked Franklin & Marshall. The Diplomats dominated the boards as they beat the host team 63-47. The Shoremen fought the entire game but could not get their shots to fall, shooting only 24 percent from the floor. Chris Olsen had a game-tying 16 points in the loss.
The team’s next game is at Haverford on Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. p.m.