So. Portland, ME- Resiliency and the ability to face and conquer adversity are traits not every team or player possesses. The Mustangs faced both Wednesday night at the HUB in South Portland and left town with a hard fought 65-61 win over the SeaWolves of SMCC.
Leadership can be defined as "a person who guides a team to success." CM has that leader in captain Corey David. David saved his best game of the year for Wednesday and proved why he is one of, if not the, top point guard in the conference. Cool under pressure, and savvy in operation-- and playing in an intense environment, David played 32 minutes of steady basketball leading the Mustangs to a 65-61 win over the home team. Described by teammate Nic Dierynck, "Corey stepped up big when we needed him. It seemed like he saved his personal play when we needed it most after setting up everybody else all game." Coach Gonyea added, "Corey is a veteran who understands the gravity and urgency of the situation and has the experience to deliver. It seemed like whenever he was in the game, we were in control. I couldn't by prouder of his play."
Despite playing in a hostile environment packed with SMCC fans, CM controlled the tip and the first half of play. The visitors brought their own fans to the contest and it showed. From the CM hockey team to the fan support from the kids in the residence halls, the Mustangs were well represented. With the support of the crowd, the squad went to the locker room with a 38-32 advantage.
The physicality picked up in the second half. Bodies were flying everywhere forcing both teams to go to their bench. CM got some good minutes from Malik Farley and Khalid Ibn. SMCC ticked up their "D" in the second half applying pressure on the Mustang shooters. However, others stepped up and filled the void.
The SeaWolves took a six-point lead at the four-minute mark 61-55. CM responded with their own 11-0 run to seal the game. With 55 second left, a Corey David layup put the Mustangs up by two. Solid defense down the stretch paved the way for victory.
David ended the contest with 32 minutes played, 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. He wasn't alone in contributions. In a game with first place in the Yankee Conference on the line, other Mustangs stepped up and made solid contributions. Matt Attard brought his "A" game hitting for 15 points in a 6-11 shooting night. Saikwon Williams was again a force to be reckoned with leading the squad with 19 points and added 5 rebounds. Nicolas Dierynck banged out three threes' in the first half to register 11 points and chipped in with 6 rebounds. Unsung hero AJ Cunningham, a guy that does a lot of the dirty work and helps hold the half-court offense together, played a great game grabbing 13 rebounds and hit for 5 points. More than the stats indicate, on the defensive end, AJ clogs up the lane holding driving players at bay.
CM takes control of the Yankee Conference with an 8-1 record. SMCC falls to third with a 6-2 record. The Mustangs travel Saturday to Rhode Island to play CCRI at 2:30pm.
