CASTINE, Maine — Senior Brett Cunningham hit a 3-point dagger late to help Husson University men's basketball hang on for a 58-54 win over Maine Maritime Academy on the road Saturday in North Atlantic Conference action.

Husson (12-9, 9-3 NAC) jumped out to an early lead in Saturday's conference showdown, shooting 40 percent from behind the 3-point strip to lead 33-23 heading into the halftime break. 

Senior Justice Kendall lead the Eagles with eight first half points, while graduate student Justin Thompson added six points. 

Maine Maritime (4-15, 2-8 NAC) mounted a comeback late pulling within 52-51 of Husson with 3:34 remaining.

The Eagles kept the Mariners at bay over the next three minutes thanks in part to two steals by Thompson and several missed shot attempts from MMA.

That's when Cunningham stepped up a drilled a 3-pointer with 49 seconds remaining off an assist by senior DJ Bussey. Thompson would add another late steal to limit MMA's possessions and senior J Thomas converted 3-4 free throws over the final nine seconds to extend the Eagles lead to 58-51. 

The Mariners connected on a late 3-pointer, but Cunningham's dagger and Thomas' free throws helped Husson pick up a crucial victory in the NAC standings. 

The Eagles will now wait for the final NAC standings to find out whether they will host the NAC quarterfinals and semifinals beginning on Feb. 18 and 19.