BANGOR, Maine — The University of Maine at Farmington women's basketball team struggled with their shooting, finishing at just 25.4% (17-for-67) from the floor in a 61-49 loss to Husson University in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) action.
The Records:
Farmington dropped to 8-10 overall and 5-4 in NAC play following the loss. Husson's record improved to 10-10 overall and 8-1 in conference with the victory.
How It Happened:
In a highly competitive first quarter, it was the Beavers who got off to the better start. Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) and Sarah Poli (Benton, Maine) scored back-to-back buckets on the opening possessions, staking Farmington to a 4-0 lead. Moments later, a deep three from freshman Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine) and another basket from Poli helped the Beavers take an 11-6 lead midway through the first quarter.
However, Farmington's early lead was short-lived as Husson responded with six straight points to take their first lead of the game, 12-11.
Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine) hit a jumper in the final seconds of the first quarter to give the Beavers a 14-12 lead as they headed into the second quarter.
Husson's defense stepped up in the second quarter, holding Farmington to just six points on 3-of-18 shooting.
Hannah Richards knocked down her second three-pointer of the quarter to give the Eagles a 21-16 lead with seven minutes to play before halftime. That three sparked an 11-4 run that helped Husson extend their lead to nine points at halftime.
Farmington continued to fight in the third quarter, responding to every Husson challenge. After holding the Eagles scoreless for nearly three minutes to open the second half, Lauren Cook hit a three to give Husson an 11-point lead, their first double-digit advantage of the game. But on the next possession, Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine) answered with a three of her own to cut the lead back to eight.
Just minutes later, Makaelyn Porter and Jordyn Lengle scored consecutive baskets in the paint to extend Husson's lead to 12 with five minutes remaining in the third. Farmington responded with a quick 6-1 spurt, highlighted by four points from Audrey Mackie (South Thomaston, Maine), cutting the lead to seven.
Trailing 41-34 entering the fourth quarter, the Beavers could not mount a comeback. Husson opened the quarter with a 12-3 run to push the lead to 16 points, their largest lead of the game. The run was capped by Richards' third three-pointer of the game.
Farmington responded with five straight points to trim the deficit to 11 with 4:19 left, but that was as close as they would get. Husson executed well down the stretch to seal the win and secure the NAC victory.
Stats of the Game:
Farmington's shooting struggles were the biggest difference in the game. In addition to their 25.4% shooting from the floor, the Beavers connected on just 2-of-14 from beyond the arc. Husson didn't shoot exceptionally well either, finishing at 32.4% (23-for-71) from the floor and 4-of-18 from deep. Farmington held a slight 47-45 advantage on the boards but committed 20 turnovers, while Husson had 21.
Leaders - Farmington:
- Jaydn Pingree led the Beavers with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting. She also grabbed six rebounds in 31 minutes.
- Jessica Dow recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive glass.
- Sarah Poli also added a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds, including seven offensive boards.
Leaders - Husson:
- Jordyn Lengle had a game-high 17 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the floor. She also grabbed 14 rebounds to complete the double-double and added three steals and two blocks.
- Makaelyn Porter contributed 10 points and three blocks.
- Hannah Richards finished with 12 points in 22 minutes off the bench.
UP NEXT:
Farmington will head to Presque Isle, Maine, on Friday for a NAC showdown against the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
