BROOKLYN, NY - The Medgar Evers College men's basketball team faced off against the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Monday, November 25 at the Cougars Cave gymnasium.

The Cougars fell to the Mariners in overtime by a final score of 90-83.

Medgar jumped out to an early 11-7 lead after three-pointers by Devin Berrios, Keison McIntosh, and James Julien, as well as a jumper from Berrios. The lead changed hands four times in the first half, and USMMA held the largest lead after taking a 26-19 advantage. The Cougars battled back to tie the game at 32-all after a McIntosh triple, and the score at halftime was 35-32 Mariners.

The Cougars were lights out in the first half from deep, hitting seven of 13 threes. They were also sharing the basketball well, recording assists on nine of their 10 field goals.

McIntosh tied the game immediately in the second half with his fourth three of the game, and Berrios hit his fourth three of the game to put the black and gold up 40-36. USMMA then battled back to take a small advantage, which ballooned to a nine-point lead as the Mariners went up 64-55 with four and a half minutes left.

At that point, Head Coach Brian Nigro called a timeout and switched to a full-court press and a faster pace. Naquavah Jackson hit a fast break layup, then a tip-in, then a three-pointer, and the game was tied at 64-all with around three minutes left.

Things looked bleak when the Mariners took a 71-66 lead with 44 seconds left. Jackson hit a three with 32 seconds left to bring the Cougars within two. After USMMA missed the front end of a one-and-one with 23 seconds left, the Cougars ran one more possession.

Elias Scott sent the game to overtime with a layup with seven seconds left.

The Mariners jumped out to an early lead in overtime, and despite Medgar's best efforts, USMMA hit their free throws and was able to finish the game off.

Berrios led all players with 28 points, and he finished 7-12 from three-point range and 9-14 from the field. McIntosh finished 5-9 from the field and 4-8 from long range with 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Jackson played 42 minutes and chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Marcus Lewis also finished with 11 assists on the night. The freshman is currently 7th in the NCAA with 7.5 assists per game this season.

The Cougars were excellent from three-point range, finishing 14-33 (42.4%) from deep. Unfortunately, the team was outrebounded 50-34 and conceded 23 offensive rebounds.

The team returns to action on Tuesday, December 3, for a road contest against Hunter College. This game will be the CUNYAC opener for both teams and will take place at 7 pm.