SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—In the always-anticipated rivalry game, the Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's basketball team fell at the buzzer to the Mustangs from Central Maine Community College (CMCC), 62-61, in the first of two Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) meetings on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Featuring 12 first-half points from sophomore Charlie Houghton (Dixfield, Maine), the Seawolves found themselves trailing 31-27 at halftime. SMCC strung together an 8-point run in the beginnings of the second half and from there, played to a 6-point advantage with four minutes remaining.

Leading 61-60, SMCC missed two free throws down the stretch. CMCC transitioned the ball down the floor to find Will Duke who converted a layup as time expired.

Houghton finished with 24 points to lead all scorers. Sophomore Julius Silva (Biddeford, Maine) totaled 11 points and senior captain Thomas Martinotti (Harwinton, Conn.) added seven.

CMCC's Ben Francis came off the bench to lead his team with 15 points on 6-8 shooting.

The result moves SMCC to 0-11 on the season, 0-6 in conference action. CMCC climbs to 9-6, 6-1 YSCC.

The Seawolves round of the semester when they travel to Vermont State University- Randolph (YSCC) on Saturday, Dec. 14. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

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