FARMINGTON, Maine - The University of Maine at Farmington men's basketball team fell behind by double-digits in the second half and were unable to overcome the deficit in falling to Bowdoin College on Wednesday evening in Dearborn Gymnasium, 86-77.

The two teams battled one another throughout the first half as neither team could gain a lead of more than six points. The Polar Bears largest lead in the first half was six while the Beavers were able to gain a five point lead before surrendering it falling behind 47-41 at the half. 

In an up-tempo, high-intensity 1st half, Bowdoin began by connecting on their first five attempts to build a quick 12-7. The Beavers quickly responded by going on a 13-3 run to grab a five-point lead. 

The Beavers held onto a narrow lead up until the 7:42 mark when Afamdi Achufusi tied the game at 31 with a layup. The Polar Bears closed out the half on a 16-10 spurt and took a 47-41 lead into halftime. Terion Moss (Portland, Maine) and Jack Kane (Cumberland, Maine) each scored 11 points in the first half to pace the Beavers.

In the 2nd half the Polar Bears were able to slowly increase their lead and would lead by as many as 15 points with 10 minutes left to play. The Beavers dug deep and forced three turnovers over the next four possessions to trim their deficit to nine. 

After the Polar Bears regained a 12-point lead at 76-64, the Beavers once again responded. This time with an 8-1 lead by six points from Zachary Mickle (Billerica, Mass.). A jumper from Achufusi quieted the Beavers momentarily but Drew Storey (Cumberland, Maine) responded with a three to trim the lead to just four at 79-75 with 2:20 left to play.

James McGowan drilled a three on the next possession that ended up being the dagger. The Beavers got multiple open looks down the stretch with a chance to cut into the lead, but were unable to convert. The Polar Bears converted their free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. 

The Beavers had four players in double figures led by Mickle who put in 18 points. Moss tallied 17 while Storey and Kane each added 15 for the Beavers.

The Polar Bears had five scorers in double figures led by Michael Simonds' 18 and McGowan's 17.

The Beavers are now 9-7 on the season while the Polar Bears improve to 7-10.

UP NEXT

The Beavers will host North Atlantic Conference East Division rival Husson University on Friday evening at 7:30 pm in a pivotal contest in Dearborn Gymnasium.