NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's basketball team controlled the second half to earn a 65–46 victory over Elms College on Saturday afternoon in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

The game featured several early lead changes as both teams settled in. Elms scored the opening basket, but Mitchell answered quickly and used balanced scoring to build momentum. The Mariners took their first lead on a Troy Butler (Manchester, Conn.) three-pointer and later closed the first half on a 5–0 run to take a 24–17 lead into the locker room after holding the Blazers scoreless over the final three minutes.

Elms briefly pulled even multiple times early in the second half and went ahead by one on two occasions, but a three-pointer from sophomore Adrian Alicea (Miami, Fla.) with 14:31 remaining gave the Mariners a lead they would not relinquish. Mitchell then outscored the Blazers 34–17 the rest of the way, comfortably coming away with its first conference victory of the season.

Junior Troy Butler led all scorers with 15 points, including eight free throws, while sophomore Abdul Mansaray (Jacksonville, Fla.) delivered a complete performance with 12 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Alicea added 12 points off the bench, highlighted by three three-pointers, and freshman Zaveyn Tate (Bristol, Conn.) contributed eight points, nine rebounds, and three steals.

Defensively, Mitchell limited Elms to 29.7% shooting from the field and 20.0% from beyond the arc, forcing 15 turnovers and recording 10 steals. The Mariners also protected the paint with six blocks and matched Elms on the boards with 38 rebounds.
Elms was led by RJ Mayfield, who posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Andrew Ciaglo chipped in seven points, while Daniel Villanueva added five off the bench.

The Mariners (5–10, 1–2 GNAC) return to action on Wednesday, January 21, when they host the University of Saint Joseph in a GNAC clash set to tip off at 6:00 p.m.