The Husson men’s and women’s basketball teams returned to Newman Gymnasium Saturday to host Saint Joseph’s College (Maine) in a non-conference doubleheader, that would end as a split for the Eagles.
In the men’s game, Justin Thompson led four players in double figures with a game high 21 points as Husson pulled away for an 84-69 win. A back and forth first half saw the visiting Monks take an early 5-0 lead, before the Eagles would score seven straight to take the lead. The hosts led by as many as 17 in the opening 20 minutes, before Saint Joseph’s would pull within 45-36 at the halftime break. Husson led by as much as 22 which was the largest of game in the second half to improve to 3-1 on the season.
Thompson added 15 rebounds and five assists to his point total in the win. DJ Bussey and Justice Kendall had 16 points a piece, with Kendall chipping in four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Issac Varney contributed 11 points off the bench. Ashtyn Abbott had 13 points, and Nicholas Curtis had 12 to lead Saint Joseph’s College (1-5). Husson plays at New England College in a non-conference game on Tuesday night, November 30 at 6 p.m.
In the women’s game, despite a huge 30 point effort from Bailey Donovan Husson would fall short 98-92 in triple overtime to the Monks. The Eagles led 10-7 after one quarter, before Saint Joseph’s outscored them 23-11 in the second to take a 30-21 halftime advantage. Lacey Scanlon hit a three-pointer just over halfway through the third period to give the hosts their first lead since the first quarter at 40-38. A huge 30-14 third quarter by Husson had them out in front 51-44 headed to the fourth. The Monks battled back and took a 69-66 lead with 30 seconds left, before Vanessa Duarte sent it to overtime with a three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining. With the Eagles down three late in the first overtime, Sophie McVicar hit a three-pointer to tie with 12.9 seconds to go and Megan Peach blocked a layup attempt at the horn to send it to the second overtime. Donovan gave the home team a three point lead 89-86 in the double OT with a three point play with 5.6 seconds showing on the clock, before Angelica Hurley nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to force a third extra session. The visiting Monks took over in that third overtime outscoring the Eagles 9-3 to notch the road victory.
Donovan added 20 rebounds and three assists to her game high point total in the loss for Husson. Peach also had 17 points, 20 rebounds, and six assists. Duarte was the third Eagle with double figures finishing with 15 points. Guard Syndey Allen suffered an injury in the second quarter and didn’t return. Cassandra Staplefeld had 26 points, and Hurley finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists for Saint Joseph’s College (2-1). Husson (2-3), losers of three straight games, opens up North Atlantic Conference play Saturday, December 4 at home against UMaine-Presque Isle at 3 p.m
