Auburn, ME – Big games bring out the best in great players.  The University of Maine at Machias came to Auburn Saturday seeking to take down the Mustangs on their home turf.  The Mustang starting five had something to say about that. 

Energized by a loyal home crowd, CM took down the visiting Clippers 82-60 in an exciting game at Kirk Hall.  The Mustang starters combined for 72 of the 82 total points with two Mustangs registering a double double; Saikwon Williams had 14 points, 10 rebounds and AJ Cunningham hit for 11 points and 12 rebounds.  It was Cunningham's best game performance this season.

CM started slow but began to pick up steam in the middle of the first half.  Mark McDonald (9-18 shooting) led the first half attack and registered a game high 23 points.  Matt Attard hit a first half buzzer shot to send the home team to the locker room with a 39-31 advantage.

The second half was all Mustangs as they opened up a twenty-point lead, running players in and out of the lineup to keep fresh bodies in the game.

The squad spent the previous two days working on their half-court defense.  The payoff was holding the sharp shooting Clippers to a 1-20 night from the three-point line.

Coach Gonyea responded, "Big players show up in big games.  Our top five were really good tonight.  A team can only go as far as its top player's take it and I can't say enough about that top group.  Corey's steady leadership and knowing he has two sharp shooters on the wing with Nick and Mark bring the best out in him.  Our two bigs, AJ and Saikwon could not be handled as they dominated the paint.  All in all a good CM day!"

CM has a quick turnaround on Sunday traveling to the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston to fact Roxbury Community College at 1pm.