In their home opener of the season, the University of Maine at Presque Isle Women’s Basketball team battled to an 86-71 loss versus non-conference rival Husson University on Friday evening at Wieden Gymnasium. With the loss, the Owls fall to 2-4 on the season.
The Owls started off strong, keeping the game close until Noelle Lincoln hit back-back three pointers, giving the Eagles the early lead which they never gave up. Husson gained the 42-33 advantage heading at the half. In the second 20 minutes, the Owls cut the lead to within six points but Husson went on to solidify the victory in the remaining minutes of play.
Sophomore captain Megan Korhonen (Littleton, ME) went 15-for-16 at the free throw line for the Owls while totaling 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Lone senior Erica Davis (North Yarmouth, ME) led all scorers with 26 points and added nine rebounds on the night. Junior Mindy Sullivan (Lisbon, ME) grabbed 10 rebounds and tallied nine points, while providing a solid defensive presence for her team at the post season.
The Owls are back in action after Christmas break, heading to Maine Maritime Academy on Tuesday, January 6th, for a 6:00 pm game.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s basketball team earned their first win of the season as they impressively took care of the Rams of Unity College 105-41 in the first game of the Star City Shoot Out at Wieden Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. The Owls jumped out to an early 15-4 lead, before going on a 27-0 run to close out the first half with a 59-19 advantage.
Junior Ray Mitchell (Cleveland, OH) continued his offensive domination, earning a double-double and game high 26 points and 16 rebounds. Mitchell also tallied 4 steals on the day. Freshman Ben Rosser (Caribou, ME) showed his athleticism through a couple of break-away dunks, exciting the afternoon crowd. Rosser finished the game with his first career double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Fellow freshman Jeremy Brock (Easton, ME) also added 17 points in the Owl win, sophomore Ron Spencer (Chicago, IL) add nine points and a game high six assists.
In the second game of the afternoon, Jimmy Lopez and Brandon Fox lead their Bengal team over Maine Maritime Academy (2-6), both scoring 22 a piece. Hamill Bassue added a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to help UMFK (4-5) earn the win. The Mariners were led by Derek DiFrederico, who had 19 points in the loss. Jake Manner and Paul Campbell both added 16 points to help their team.
The UMPI Owls were back in action on Sunday afternoon as they battled Maine Maritime (3-6) to a 90-78 loss. With the loss, the Owls move to 1-6 on the season. UMPI jumped out to an early 15-7 lead on a made 3-point shot by Ron Spencer who had seven points up to that point. The Owls looked much improved as they lead a tough Mariner team for most of the first half. MMA eventually fought back to tie the ballgame at 26-26 with six minutes remaining in the half, thanks to a made field goal by Jake Manner. The Mariners took and kept the lead for the entire game on the very next play with two DiFrederico free-throws. MMA led at the half, 43-37.
The Owls were able to bring the game to within five points in the second half with the help, but MMA pulled away in the remaining minutes of the game to earn the win.
Leading the way for the Owls was Spencer who had 20 points and six rebounds, while point guard Devon Peaslee (Woolwich, ME) put up 19 points in 40 minutes of play. Ray Mitchell finished the game with 17 points, 14 of those points coming in the first 20 minutes. Ben Rosser had a solid contribution of 12 points, going 4-9 from the field.
Manner led his Mariner team with 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Paul Campbell added 21 points to help in the win. Derek DiFrederico added 16 points and five assists.
The Owls are off until after the New Year when they travel to Maine Maritime Academy to take on the Mariners on Saturday, January 10th. Game time is at 1:00 pm.
Contributed photo
POISED AND READY to put one in, UMPI Lady Owl Erica Davis banked a total of 26 baskets for her team in Friday night’s game against Husson.
