FARMINGTON, Maine – A career-high 27 points by University of Maine at Farmington (6-15, 6-9) forward Nick Hilton gave the Beavers a, 67-52, conference win over Johnson State (3-18, 3-11) on Saturday afternoon at Dearborn Gymnasium.

The Beavers played one of their best opening halves of the season by shooting 52.0% (13-25) from the floor and Logan Nichols' buzzer-beating layup gave UMF a, 32-28, lead at the break. UMF outscored Johnson, 18-8, in the paint by forcing the Badgers to take outside jump shots. Nick Hilton scored 11 of his game-high 27 points in the first half.

Despite never trailing in the contest, the Beavers nearly surrendered the lead at the halfway point in the second half. Claiming a, 43-42, lead, UMF closed the game on a, 24-10, run to keep its playoff hopes alive and swept the regular season series from Johnson State.

Hilton's career-night came on 10-of-15 shooting and he hit a perfect 7-for-7 from the foul line. Freshman Eric Berry added nine points and six rebounds off the bench. Johnson's Rob Hazard led the Badgers with 14 points. Ron Adrian and Demetrius Slide also scored 11 points apiece.

UMaine-Farmington travels to Vermont next weekend for conference showdowns with Castleton and Green Mountain.