FARMINGTON -- The University of Southern Maine hit eight 3-pointers in the opening half to built a 17-point lead en route to an 87-77 non-conference men's basketball victory over the University of Maine at Farmington tonight at Dearborn Gymnasium.

The Beavers remained winless at 0-5 and are scheduled to host Thomas College Wednesday in North Atlantic Conference action. The men's game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start with the women to follow. The Huskies (2-6) are slated to host Keene State College Saturday at 3 p.m. in Little East Conference play.

The hot hand of Otis Smith (Altamonte Springs, FL) with five of his team's eight treys in the first half as the Huskies were able to grab a 46-29 command at intermission. Overall, USM's stroke from the perimeter (11 of 22, 50 percent) overwhelmed the Beavers' effort (4 of 27, 14.8 percent).

Eric Taylor (Oakland, ME) poured in a career-high 40 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Beavers. Twenty-six of Taylor's total came in the second half as Farmington battled back to within eight points of the Huskies. Eric Lelansky (Portland, ME) scored 16 points, grabbed eight boards and made six assists in the loss.

Smith finished with 24 points for USM, including six 3-pointers, with Cortez Isaac (Washington, D.C.) supplying a double-double of 16 points and 13 boards and Troy Jellison (Bangor, ME) adding 13 points.