THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – The Maritime basketball team picked up a tough win at home against the Panthers of Old Westbury at the Riesenberg Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. This was the Privateers' first win over Old Westbury since January of 2010 when they defeated the Panthers 73-68, snapping a 15-game losing streak.
 
Three Privateers' scored in double-figures on the afternoon led by senior guard John Liccese (Bronx, N.Y./Cardinal Spellman) who led all scorers with 25 points, he also added eight rebounds and two steals. Sophomore guard Brendan McGovern (Seaford, N.Y./St. John the Baptist) contributed 19 points including four three-pointers and five rebounds. Senior center Patrick MacDonald (Buffalo, N.Y./Canisius) picked up another double-double with 14 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
 
Maritime jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead to start the afternoon thanks to scoring from four different players. The Privateers had the game in control as they led by nine with just over 11 minutes left in the first half. Around the midway point of the first half, Old Westbury went on a 10-2 run to tie the score at 27.
 
Liccese answered the Panthers run with an 8-0 run of his own scoring a jumper, then getting a steal leading to a three from the wing, and then knocking down another three on the fast break to put Maritime up 35-27. The Privateers closed out the opening half on a 5-0 run to put them up by seven going into the break.
 
Early in the second half, McGovern continued to score knocking down another three and then a layup from MacDonald would put Maritime up by double-digits, leading 50-40. Old Westbury climbed back into the game with a few baskets cutting the lead to four, making the score 55-51. The next possession for Maritime, sophomore guard Michael Walker (Bayport, N.Y./Bayport-Blue Point) knocked down two free throws to start a 10-0 run for the Privateers capped off by another three-pointer from Liccese.
 
Maritime would cruise the rest of the way to an 80-70 win over the Panthers.
 
Maritime (8-8, 5-6 Skyline) will be back in action on Tuesday, January 23rd, when they host St. Joseph's (L.I.) in a Skyline Conference matchup at Riesenberg Hall Gymnasium with tip off at 7 p.m.
 
Old Westbury (8-8, 5-6) will return to play on Tuesday, January 23rd, when they visit Yeshiva at the Max Stern Athletic Center beginning at 8:00 p.m.