VALLEJO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Cal Maritime Keelhaulers used a dominant second-quarter performance to pull away from the Pacific Union Pioneers for a 92-84 victory in a men’s NAIA basketball game Saturday at the PE Center.

The game was a rematch of a Dec. 17 contest, also won by Cal Maritime, and unfolded with a similar pattern of competitive play that ultimately tilted toward the Keelhaulers in the final period. The win improved Cal Maritime’s overall record to 4-3, while Pacific Union remained winless at 0-8.

The most important part of the game was Cal Maritime’s decisive 50-point second quarter, which overcame a first period that ended in a 42-42 deadlock. After trading baskets in a high-scoring opening quarter, the Keelhaulers tightened their defense and executed more efficiently on offense to outscore the Pioneers by eight points after halftime.

Chiron Pham led the Keelhaulers’ charge, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls. His ability to convert from the free-throw line was a critical component of Cal Maritime’s second-quarter surge, helping to build and maintain a lead that Pacific Union could not overcome. Nick Stone provided crucial perimeter scoring and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch for the Keelhaulers, while Lawrence Long and Luka Popovic added consistent interior scoring and playmaking.

For Pacific Union, Yatsyn Anderson carried the offensive load, scoring from all three levels and keeping the Pioneers within striking distance throughout the contest. Hayden Cresswell and Daniel Benjamin provided additional scoring, and Ramone Bailey contributed key plays, but the Pioneers’ defense could not string together enough stops in the second quarter to stem the Keelhaulers’ momentum.

The game’s tempo was frenetic from the opening tip, with both teams finding early offensive rhythm. The first quarter featured six lead changes and three ties, culminating in the 42-42 score. Cal Maritime began to create separation early in the second quarter with a 10-2 run, highlighted by consecutive baskets from Popovic and a 3-pointer from Long. Pacific Union called multiple timeouts to try and halt the runs, but Cal Maritime consistently answered with scores of its own, particularly from the free-throw line where it capitalized on Pioneer fouls.

Pacific Union made several pushes to cut into the deficit, with Anderson and Lorenzo Lentini hitting late 3-pointers, but Cal Maritime’s composure at the foul line in the final minute sealed the victory. The Keelhaulers went 8 for 8 from the free-throw line in the last 28 seconds, with Stone making four and Long making four, to close out the game.

Cal Maritime next plays at Simpson on Wednesday. Pacific Union travels to face Simpson next Saturday.