Husson men’s and women’s basketball beat MMA in regular season finales

BANGOR- The Husson University men’s and women’s basketball teams finished their regular season on Saturday afternoon as they played host to Maine Maritime Academy at Newman Gymnasium.

In the women’s game- Before a packed house of 1,800, Bailey Donovan had 26 points (16 in the second half) and also tied a rebounding record for one game with 25 boards as Husson sent Maine Maritime Academy to their first conference loss and ended the Mariners 14 game win streak 67-55. The Eagles got off to a great start as Donovan hit two free throws and a jumper, and Hannah Richards hit a three-pointer as they were up 7-0 just over four minutes in. They held a 15-11 advantage after one quarter. MMA (18-6, 12-1 NAC) took their first and only lead of the day 22-21 on a layup by Erianna Moore with 2:51 remaining in the first half. The game was even 26-26 at the break. Donovan really took over in the third quarter, scoring 12 of her 26 points as Husson would regain their lead and never trailed again. They would lead by as many as seven again, and had that same edge heading to the fourth. The Eagles scored the first seven points of the final quarter to put it away on a Donovan layup, a jumper by Vanessa Duarte, and a three-pointer by Richards to make it 58-44. The lead would go to as many as 15, and the 12 point final margin was the closest the Mariners would be the rest of the way. Along with the big game from Donovan, Richards finished with 15 points (three 3-pointers) in the win. Duarte and Lauren Cook also chipped in eight points a piece. Husson finishes the regular season 19-6, 13-1 in the NAC with a six game win streak. Moore had 17 points and Maria Barela had 10 points and eight rebounds in the loss for Maine Maritime Academy. The Mariners will still win the regular season East Division title and clinch the #1 seed (to host) for the upcoming NAC Tournament with a win over UMPI on Monday night.

In the men’s game- Husson honored fifth year seniors Justice Kendall and J Thomas before the game, and then Kendall in his last game at Newman Gym scored 26 points in helping the Eagles get past Maine Maritime Academy 86-75 in overtime. The Mariners came out hot, as Connor Tuerff scored seven of their first 10 points that included two layups and a three-pointer for a 10-0 lead 4:12 into first half action. Husson never led in that first 20 minutes, but did tie it once at 28-28 and were within three on several other occasions as they were with 19 seconds remaining on a Jeremy Moronta layup to make it 37-34 at the halftime break. They tied it twice again in the early moments of the second half, before two free throws by Kendall gave them their first lead 43-41. Back to back deep three-pointers by Kendall and another from long distance by Scott Lewis matched the biggest advantage for either team as it was 52-41 Eagles with 14:49 left. MMA worked their way back into it, and took a momentary lead on a jumper by Isaiah Oquendo with 2:33 remaining 62-61. Under a minute later, Thomas nailed a three-pointer to give Husson the lead back. The teams exchanged the next two baskets, and then another by Mariners center Curt Heinz evened it 66-66. Moronta gave the Eagles a 68-66 lead with 22 seconds to go on two free throws. Rubin Carter had a chance to give the guests the lead with just 3.8 seconds showing on the clock, as he made a basket in the paint and was fouled by Lewis. Carter missed the free throw however, and the Eagles grabbed the rebound and called timeout. A desperation half court shot by Kendall was off the mark as the game went to overtime. Three-pointers by Moronta and two from long distance by Thomas early in the extra session would put Husson on cruise control as they outscored MMA 18-7 (nine from Thomas) to pick up the win. Kendall added six rebounds, three assists, and a steal to his game high point total in the victory. Lewis finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, Moronta had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Thomas contributed 14 points and four rebounds. Kendall, Lewis, and Thomas each had three 3-pointers. Husson finishes the regular season 13-12, 11-3 in conference play. Tuerff led Maine Maritime Academy in the loss with 20 points. Rubin added 17 points, Heinz had 16 points and 15 rebounds, and Malachi Reincke chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds. The Mariners end the regular season 10-15, 4-10 in the NAC. Husson and Maine Maritime Academy will compete in the NAC East Division Tournament to be hosted by top seed UMaine-Farmington next weekend.

Recaps/Photos/Videos by Chris Lessner

Women’s Box Score

MMA (18-6, 12-1) 11 15 18 11- 55

HUS (19-6, 13-1) 15 11 25 16- 67

Rebounds- MMA 34, Husson 42

Free throws- MMA 8-16, Husson 4-4

Turnovers- MMA 12, Husson 14

Three-pointers- MMA: Moore 2, Dagan 2, Berela/ Husson: Richards 3, Cook 2

Men’s Box Score

MMA (10-15, 4-10) 37 31 7- 75

HUS (13-12, 11-3) 34 34 18- 86

Rebounds- MMA 34, Husson 48