Adrianna Smith recorded a game-high 29 points, and Maine made a valiant effort in trying to rally from a 13 point second half deficit, but ultimately would fall 62-57 to Binghamton in America East women’s basketball action on Saturday afternoon at the Events Center in Vestal, New York.
The Black Bears would build a 19-9 lead in the first quarter on a layup from Sarah Talon, and led by nine after the opening 10 minutes on a three-pointer by Smith. The Bearcats stormed back to take control outscoring the guests 24-8 in the second quarter to take a 37-30 advantage at the break. Binghamton built that to as many as 14 in the third, and would take a 57-44 lead to the fourth quarter. Maine wasn’t done however, opening the last period on a 7-0 run and would slice their deficit all the way down to 59-57 (13-2 run overall) on a shot in the paint by Talon with 36 seconds remaining. The hosts would put it away though when Carletta Bennett banked in a three-pointer at the shot clock buzzer on the next possession to put it out of reach.
Kendall Bennett and Bella Pucci led Binghamton in the win with 14 points each. Kendall Bennett also grabbed 12 rebounds. Carletta Bennett finished with 13 points and six rebounds, as the Bearcats improved to 14-6 and 6-1 in America East. Smith (11-16 FG, 2-4 three-pointers, 5-5 free throws) added seven rebounds and three steals to her game-high point total for Maine. Talon ended up with 10 points, Lala Woods (three 3-pointers) chipped in nine points and five rebounds, while Asta Blauenfeldt contributed seven points. The Black Bears slipped to 10-11 and 5-3 in conference play and will return to action at home next Saturday when they battle UMass-Lowell at 1 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Katie Moyes (UMaine Athletics)
