CASTINE, Maine – In their return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, the University of Maine at Farmington women's basketball team struggled to keep pace with the up-tempo offense and physical defensive presence of Husson University, falling 77-64 in Friday evening's North Atlantic Conference (NAC) quarterfinal.
The Beavers entered the tournament as the third seed in the NAC East, while the Eagles were the second seed.
How it Happened:
Just one week after the two teams faced off in the regular season finale, Husson picked up right where they left off from the fourth quarter a week ago. The Eagles' offense created good shot opportunities, and they capitalized, shooting 18-for-35 from the floor and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc in the first half. As a result, Husson built a 46-33 lead at halftime.
Despite none of the Beavers having playoff experience, they showed no signs of nerves early on. Sophomore Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) and senior Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine) each scored two layups in the opening minutes, giving Farmington an early 8-4 lead.
However, the Husson offense quickly responded with a 9-2 run to take their first lead of the game, 13-10, highlighted by a deep three from Laela Martinez.
Farmington continued to battle but trailed 23-19 at the end of the first quarter.
After Dwyer drilled her second three of the game on the opening possession of the second quarter, the Eagles answered with a 10-2 run, with four different players contributing to a nine-point lead.
The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter. Each time Farmington tried to build momentum, Husson responded with a timely shot or second-chance opportunity.
Leading by 13 to start the third quarter, Husson extended their lead to 16 with six minutes remaining. At their largest deficit of the game, the Beavers fought back. Dow scored a layup, followed by Audrey Mackie (South Thomaston, Maine) with a jumper, sparking a 13-5 run that brought Farmington within single digits. First-year Jazmine Pingree (Jay, Maine) capped the run with a three-point play, making it a 58-50 game with just under two minutes left in the third.
Husson carried a 60-52 lead into the fourth quarter. The Eagles then scored the first 12 points of the quarter, pushing their lead back to double digits.
Farmington didn't back down, cutting the deficit to seven with just under three minutes remaining. Dwyer hit another crucial three to keep the Beavers within striking distance. After forcing a turnover on the ensuing Husson possession, Farmington had a chance to cut the lead to five, but missed a shot at the rim. Two possessions later, Lauren Cook drilled a three from the right corner, effectively sealing the game and putting Husson up by 10 with 1:54 left. The Eagles finished strong with free throws, advancing to the NAC Semifinals against the top-seeded Maine Maritime Academy tomorrow afternoon.
Stats of the Game:
The turnover battle was nearly identical, with the Beavers committing 17 turnovers and the Eagles 16. However, Husson capitalized on Farmington's turnovers, converting them into 25 points. The Beavers managed only seven points off Husson's 16 turnovers. After shooting 51.4% from the floor in the first half, the Beavers limited Husson to just 31.0% (9-for-29) shooting in the second half and 42.2% (27-for-64) for the game. Farmington shot 44.6% (25-for-56) from the field but struggled from three, going just 3-for-12. The biggest advantage for Husson came on the boards, where they dominated with a 44-24 edge.
Leaders - Farmington:
- Dow finished with a game-high 20 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the floor. She also chipped in with four rebounds.
- Dwyer shot an efficient 6-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-5 from deep on her way to 15 points.
- Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine) finished with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting.
Leaders - Husson:
- Jordyn Lengle led the way for the Eagles, finishing with a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double.
- Saige Evans finished with 13 points and eight boards in 26 minutes off the bench.
- Cook added 11 points, knocking down 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.
The loss for the Beavers marks the end of the 2024-25 season.
