SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University men's basketball team dropped its home opener and first Capital Athletic Conference matchup of the 2008-09 season Wednesday night, 70-62, to University of Mary Washington before 385 in the Maggs Center.

Salisbury (1-6, 0-1 CAC) started strong in the first half as it shot 46 percent from the field and behind the three-point arc and 75 percent from the free-throw stripe. The Gulls and Eagles went into halftime separated by two points as UMW led 35-33.

Mary Washington (2-3, 1-0 CAC) shot an exceptional 89 percent from behind the three-point line for the game and was a perfect 5-for-5 in the second half. The Eagles were led by guard Matt Hale (24 points) who hit several crucial three-point baskets.

With 5:57 left to play in the second half the Gulls trailed by two points but Hale hit a three-pointer to increase the lead to 56-51. SU was within five points, again, with 2:23 left but Hale drained another three-pointer to give the Eagles a 64-56 advantage.

The maroon and gold were led offensively by juniors Greg Palmer's 21 points and Devin Jones' 13 points and two assists. On the defensive side, Palmer (seven rebounds) led the Gulls with six defensive rebounds and blocked one shot. Junior Matt DeLizio scored 10 points and forced two steals while sophomore guard Luther Weedon scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds.

Ultimately, the Gulls struggled from three-point range in the second half (1-for-13). SU sent the Eagles to the free-throw line 33 times, nearly twice the amount of trips the maroon and gold made in the game.

UMW had four players in double figures in the win. In addition to Hale the trio of Kiernan Whitworth, Qaiser Ahmed and Ben Stokes all scored 11 points. Center Brandon Altmann made a game-high 11 rebounds.

Salisbury will play again at home this weekend where it will host the 2008 Optimist Classic and welcome Albright College, Messiah College and Randolph College to the Maggs Center. The Gulls will take on Albright this Friday, December 5, at 8 p.m. Messiah and Randolph get the classic started at 1 p.m. on Friday followed by two women's games at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.