WATERVILLE, Maine - After being knotted up at 31 going into halftime, the University of Maine at Farmington men's basketball team took control in the 2nd half en route to the 71-57 victory over New England College on day one of the Charlie Ryan Classic hosted by Thomas College. 

The Beavers clamped down defensively to help secure the victory as they forced 22 Pilgrim turnovers that led to 21 Beaver points. The Pilgrims held a slight advantage on the glass (42-38) but the Beavers held a steep advantage in 2nd chance points (17-4).

After shooting just 1-10 from beyond the arc in the 1st half, the Beavers came out of halftime on fire from three-point range, knocking down 40% (6-15) from downtown in the 2nd half. The Beavers quickly separated themselves in the 2nd half, extending their lead to 16 in the opening 10:40 of the 2nd half.

With some of the Beavers starters struggling shooting from the floor this evening, first-years Brock Flagg (Brewer, Maine) and Jason Reynolds (Winslow, Maine) stepped up big time in just their 2nd career game. Flagg finished with 16 points on a perfect 7-7 shooting from the field, knocking down a pair of key three pointers. Flagg also finished with a pair of steals in 21 minutes off the bench. Reynolds was also ultra-effective for the Beavers shooting 4-7 from the floor and 5-6 from the free throw line to tally 13 points. Reynolds also finished with nine rebounds, four of which were on the offensive glass, and three steals. He also finished as a +13, the second highest of any Beaver. 

Junior captain Dylan Griffin (Saco, Maine) put together his 2nd consecutive strong game for the Beavers to open up the season. Griffin finished with 14 points on an efficient 5-9 from the field and 2-3 from downtown. Griffin also hit both his free throws and grabbed four rebounds. Simon Chadbourne (Portland, Maine) chipped in with ten points for the Beavers.

Junior Efosa scored a game-high 20 points on 7-13 shooting from the field to lead New England College. Efosa also finished with seven rebounds and a pair of steals. Jayden McGrew pitched in with 10 points and six rebounds for the Pilgrims. 

The Beavers shot 41% (25-61) from the field for the game and 28% (7-25) from three. The Pilgrims shot 35.6% (21-59) from the field and just 2-15 from beyond the arc. 

UP NEXT

The Beavers return to action tomorrow afternoon when they take on Norwich in their 2nd game at the Charlie Ryan Classic. Tip-off is slated for 4:00 PM.