Keira Hanson scored a game-high 20 points on Thursday night, in helping to lead Vermont to a 64-53 America East women’s basketball win over Maine on Skip Chappelle Court inside Memorial Gymnasium in Orono.
The Black Bears started out red hot, scoring the first eight points of the night before the Catamounts turned the tide with a 13-2 run to take a 13-10 advantage on a three-pointer by Hanson. Maine would take their final lead of the game in the second quarter (18-15) on a three-point play by Lala Woods. Vermont took over from there, especially on the glass, as they responded with a 9-0 spurt to take the advantage for good at 24-18, and increased that to 33-24 at the break. The preseason conference favorites would lead by as many as 21 in the fourth in sewing up their third league victory in four tries.
Hanson shot 8-16 from the floor (4-5 three-pointers) in the Vermont win. Nikola Priede put in 16 points, while Malia Lenz recorded a double double and filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one blocked shot. UVM also outrebounded Maine 36-23 (10-4 offensive), and outscored them 13-2 on second chance points. The Catamounts improve to 14-5 and 3-1 in America East. Adrianna Smith had yet another strong performance in the loss for Maine with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. Sarah Talon also contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Woods chipped in eight points to go along with five assists. Maine is now 8-10 and 3-2 in conference play and will go on the road on Saturday to face UNH at 1 p.m.
Photo courtesy of UMaine Athletics
