Bangor,ME- The University of Maine-Farmington men’s basketball team held off a late rally and defeated Husson University 77-70 in a battle of North Atlantic Conference teams Friday night at Newman Gymnasium.
It was a back and forth game in the first ten minutes, each squad swapping the lead. Derek Collin showed the hot hand early for the Eagles, while the Beavers showed a balanced scoring attack early in the half.
UMF would jump back to the lead in the last 10 minutes of the half as Hussons shots didn’t fall, but also went on a scoring drought of their own as they would take a 37-28 lead into halftime.
The Beavers started the second half strong as they went on an 11-2 run in the first 2:59. Husson would start to claw their way back, as each team struggled to score nearly midway through the second 20 minutes as the game was 50-40 for nearly three minutes. Another Beavers run would extend the lead to 67-51 with 5:50 to go in the contest.
The Eagles would not go away, forcing a few turnovers and hitting some big shots to close within six points with just under a minute to play. Amir Moss would hit key free throws in the final minute to preserve the win.
Riley Robinson led the way for the Beavers with 18 points and eight rebounds. Bill Ruby added 14 points and eight rebounds. Amir Moss scored 11 points off the bench in his return from injury.
The Eagles were led by Derek Collin who scored a career high 21 points. Brett Cunningham scored 15 points in the effort. Scott Lewis contributed 14 points, and Justice Kendall added 11 points.
UMF improves to 16-3 overall and 8-0 in NAC play. They will host Maine Maritime Saturday at 5:30 in another conference matchup.
Husson falls to 6-12, 4-4 with their fourth straight conference loss. The Eagles will travel to Thomas College Saturday for another conference matchup.
