UMBC put four players in double figures on Saturday afternoon, culminating in a 71-53 win over Maine in America East women’s basketball action at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Catonsville, Maryland.
Maine used a 10-0 run over a span of 4:07 in the first quarter to take a 10-3 lead, helped by a jumper by Caroline Bornemann, three-pointers by Paula Gallego and Sera Hodgson, and a layup by Bornemann. The Black Bears led by as many as eight, before UMBC used an 11-0 spurt of their own stretching into the second to jump in front 21-18. After the guests took the lead back on two free throws by Caroline Dotsey, Jordon Lewis tied it back up at the line and Yasmin Ott pushed the Retrievers ahead for good with a three-pointer 28-25. The hosts held a 34-29 advantage at the break. With Maine hanging around in the third quarter down just 38-35, UMBC was able to start pulling away ending the period on a run of 11-4. The Retrievers eventually built their lead to as many as 20 in earning their fifth conference win, and sending the Black Bears to their second straight league defeat. All four of the America East losses for Maine have come on the road (Binghamton, Albany, NJIT, UMBC), as they are 2-4 away from Orono and a perfect 5-0 on their home court.
Bornemann led Maine in the loss with a game-high 21 points (7-15 field goals, 3-5 three-pointers) and five rebounds. Gallego finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Dotsey also chipped in with nine points. Lewis led UMBC in the victory with 17 points and five rebounds, while Tiara Bellamy registered 14 points and five boards. Talia Davis (11 points) and Jaden Walker (10 points) also got into double figures. Davis added eight rebounds, and Walker had four. The Retrievers improve to 12-10 and 5-5 in America East. The Black Bears fall to 12-12 and 7-4 in conference play and will be on the road at Vermont next Saturday, February 15 at 4 p.m.
