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Women's Basketball Downs Massachusetts
Nov. 23, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Kristin Baker scored a team-high 16 points and handed out six assists to lead the University of Maine women's basketball team to a 54-45 win over Massachusetts on Sunday afternoon at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. It marked the first win on the young season for the Black Bears (1-2). Baker scored in double-figures for the second-straight game, as she also netted 11 points in Thursday night's contest at Central Connecticut State. Samantha Baranowski and Tanna Ross came off the bench to score 15 and 11 points, respectively. It marked the second-straight game Ross recorded double-figures in scoring. Baranowski has now scored at least nine points in each of her first three collegiate games. UMass (2-2) was led in scoring by Cerie Mosgrove and her 19 points. The Minutewomen were playing their third America East opponent in four games this season. UMass dropped its season opener to Vermont and knocked off New Hampshire last week at home. Teya Wright rounded out the double-figure scorers for the Minutewomen with 10 points. UMass raced out to a 21-9 lead with 6:28 remaining in the first half. However, the Black Bears began their rally and outscored the Minutewomen 15-7 the rest of the half to pull within 28-24 at halftime. The late surge was sparked by a three pointer from Ross, aided by four points from Colleen Kilmurray, and capped with a layup by Baker.
Massachusetts opened up an eight point advantage at 33-25 with 16:21 remaining in the game on a three pointer by Mosgrove. Again, Maine stormed back, and scored the game's next 13 points to grab a 38-33 edge for its first lead of the afternoon. Baranowski ignited the run with five-straight points, as she netted seven points total throughout the surge. Baker hit a jumper and Ross added a layup to cap the rally.
Maine would never trail the rest of the way. UMass would tie the game at 38-38 on a Mosgrove three pointer. But the Black Bears answered with an 8-0 run to go on top 46-38 with 7:10 left. Baranowski, again, sparked the rally with a pair of free throws. Baker capped it with four-straight foul shots. Maine led by as much as 10 points at 52-42 with 1:29 to go in sealing the win. The Black Bears did not attempt many three pointers in the contest (5), but did make the most of them by connecting on three. Maine's defense also turned in a solid performance by limiting UMass to just 30 percent shooting (17-of-56) from the floor. The Black Bears return to action on Friday when they play host to the 2008 Dead River Company Classic at Alfond Arena in Orono. It marks the first games for Maine in the friendly confines of The Alfond this season. The Classic kicks off on Friday at 3 p.m. with West Virginia squaring off with NJIT. Maine will face Brown immediately following at 6 p.m. The tournament will conclude on Saturday with the consolation at 1 p.m., and the championship at 4 p.m. Fans wishing to purchase tickets can do so by calling (207) 581-BEAR or toll-free (800) 756-TEAM. |
