
(PRESQUE ISLE, ME) -- Aaron Hutchins (Jr./East Millinocket, ME) hit on 7-12 three-point attempts on his way to scoring 30 points and leading his University of Maine-Presque Isle Owls to a 72-67 victory over Southern Maine Community College on Saturday afternoon.
The win moves the Owls to 2-1 on the young season. The Seawolves fell to 9-2.
The Owls built a 13-point advantage early when a Hutchins jumper put the home team up, 25-12 with just under 6 minutes remaining in the half. UMPI would go on to take a 9-point advantage into the lockerroom at break, 33-24.
UMPI was able to keep the 'Wolves at arm's length much of the second half, never leading by less than 7 points in the first 10 minutes. With 6:05 on remaining though, SMCC made their move. Three jumpers by Mike Harmon over the next 3+ minutes fueled a 13-4 run that actually gave the SeaWolves a 64-62 advantage with 2:40 remaining.
The Owls immediately answered with a Michael Warner (Jr./Norwich, UK) 3-point play to give UMPI back a lead they would not relinquish again. After a Jayson Burke (Fr./Bar Harbor, ME) free throw, Warner nailed a three from the left wing to give UMPI a 69-64 lead with :48 to play and effectively put things out of reach.
Warner finished the game with 21 points on 7-13 shooting while Patrick Manifold (Sr./Great Yarmouth, UK) chipped in 13 to complete a trio of Owl cagers that reached double figures.
Presque Isle returns to the hardwood for a home date this Wednesday, November 28th, with UMaine-Machias. Tip time is set for 7:30pm.