Sigi Koizar (pictured above) helped lead the Maine Black Bears to a win in their conference opener in America East Wednesday night. Photo courtesy of Anthony Delmonaco.
Burlington, Vermont- Sigi Koizar recorded a double double with 20 points, hauling down a career high 13 rebounds and also had 4 assists and 3 steals to help the University of Maine Black Bears women’s basketball team to a 62-41 victory over Vermont on Wednesday night in Maines conference opener at Patrick Gymnasium.
Maine only shot 36.5% (23-63) from the field but held the Catamounts to only 15 field goals. Coming off a strong defensive effort last season, where Maine was towards the top in the nation in points allowed, Maine held their seventh opponent under 50 points so far this season with the 41 points allowed.
After a slow start and holding a 9 point halftime lead, Maine would break the game open in the second half. A 7-0 run early in the third quarter, five of those coming from Koizar, Maine would grow to their largest lead at 38-23.
Maine would eventually extend to a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter and would end the game on a 6-0 run to go up 21 points, which was their largest lead and the final margin of victory.
Mikaela Gustafsson chipped in with 15 points and 7 rebounds while Bella Swan had 12 points and also 7 boards.
Maine (10-6, 1-0 AE) took advantage of 16 Vermont turnovers that they turned into 17 points. Maine also outrebounded the Catamounts 47-31 and outscored them in the paint 34-16.
Vermont (5-10, 0-2 AE) was led by Sydney Smith who had 15 points and 5 rebounds while Andreana Thomas also had 14 points and 4 rebounds.
Maine will return home to host UMBC in their home conference opener on Saturday at 12 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Center. Vermont will hit the road on Saturday at 2 p.m. to face Albany.
Maine (10-6, 1-0) 17 12 18 15- 62
Vermont (5-10, 0-2) 16 4 14 7- 41
