BANGOR, Maine – Saint Joseph's College (2–2) fell at Husson University (1–0), 89–74, on Saturday evening at Newman Gymnasium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The in-state rivals traded five lead changes and two tie scores in the first quarter, with Husson taking a 24–18 advantage after shooting 52.6% (10-19) from the field and converting seven second-chance points in the opening stanza.
The Eagles maintained control throughout the second period, stretching their lead to as many as 12 before carrying a 45–35 edge into the halftime break.
Saint Joseph's battled back in the third quarter behind a strong offensive rebounding effort. The Monks pulled down eight offensive boards, which led to 10 points in the paint and a 9–0 second-chance scoring advantage, trimming the deficit to 61–54 heading into the final frame.
The Monks opened the fourth with a 10–3 run—highlighted by back-to-back scores from junior Maddie Russell (Oakfield, Maine) and freshman Layla Facchiano (Auburn, Maine)—to pull within 66–64 with 6:41 remaining.
Husson responded with a decisive 13–2 surge, fueled by a 9-for-10 effort at the free-throw line, to push the margin back into double digits. The Eagles closed out the game at the stripe and shot an impressive 70% (7-10) from the floor in the quarter to secure the victory.
STATS OF THE GAME:
Husson shot 53.3% (32-60) from the floor and 45.0% (9-20) from downtown while Saint Joseph's countered with 37.8% (28-74) and 27.8% (5-18) performances from the field and three-point distance, respectively.
LEADERS - SAINT JOSEPH'S:
- Maddie Russell: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Madison Lebel (Sr., Hermon, Maine): 14 points, 12 rebounds (double-double)
- Logan Brown (Sr., Brunswick, Maine): 12 points, 5 rebounds, 6 steals
- Layla Facchiano: 11 points, 6 rebounds
- Lily Bean (Fr., Ellsworth, Maine): 8 points, 3 rebounds
LEADERS – HUSSON:
- Saige Evans: 19 points, 10 rebounds
- Laela Martinez: 17 points, 3 threes, 4 assists
- Lilly Roy: 16 points, 10 rebounds
- Danielle Dow: 11 points, 4 assists
- Sophia Carnes: 11 points off the bench
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:
Saint Joseph's falls to 45-36 all-time versus Husson University with the loss.
NEXT!
Saint Joseph's returns to action on Wednesday, when the team travels to Biddeford to face the University of New England. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM.