SALISBURY, Md. – The Stevenson men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season on the road Saturday afternoon, putting together a competitive first half against Salisbury before ultimately falling 79–63 to the Sea Gulls at Maggs Center
.
Stevenson came out with an early spark, as
Giampaolo Tripodi got the Mustangs on the board with a layup in the paint. After Salisbury built an early advantage,
Noah Ihezue finished a fast-break dunk off an assist from
Jelani Lee to bring Stevenson within one. Lee followed with a three-pointer to give the Mustangs their first lead at 11–9. Stevenson continued to find its rhythm offensively, with
David Pridgen connecting on a jumper and Ihezue knocking down a three-pointer to help fuel the early push.
The Mustangs continued to trade baskets with the Sea Gulls, receiving contributions from across the lineup.
Solomon Lewis scored inside before adding a three-pointer, while Tripodi converted in the paint and at the free-throw line. Stevenson built its largest lead of the half at eight points, 26–18, following a free throw from
Arouna Soumaoro. Salisbury worked its way back into the contest, however, and the teams eventually found themselves tied at 34–34 with just over two minutes remaining. The Sea Gulls closed the half with a late scoring run to take a 40–34 advantage into the break.
Salisbury carried its momentum into the second half, extending its lead to 48–39 early in the period. Stevenson continued to battle back, as Ihezue connected from beyond the arc before Lee followed with back-to-back three-pointers to help keep the Mustangs within reach. Lewis added a basket inside, while Ihezue finished a fast-break layup to bring Stevenson within seven at 64–57 with just under eight minutes remaining.
The Sea Gulls responded with a scoring push to regain control, but Stevenson continued to compete on both ends of the floor. Lewis finished with 13 points and six rebounds, while Ihezue led all Mustangs with 17 points, adding five assists. Lee contributed nine points, and Pridgen chipped in seven points and seven rebounds. Despite the 79–63 final, the Mustangs showed stretches of strong offensive play and continued to battle through the final minutes.
Stevenson will look to bounce back on Tuesday, November 10, when the Mustangs travel to face Goucher in a non-conference contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Baltimore, Md.
