Looking to upset powerful Bowdoin, Maine-Presque Isle came out of the gate firing, but could not sustain its advantage after a relentless Polar Bear attack and eventually dropped the road contest 78-57 Wednesday evening in Brunswick.

Freshman Kevin Collins drilled a three-point goal on the opening possession, and sophomore Brandon McGill was holding his own on the interior against 7'0 John Swords, who sits number three nationally in Division III for field goal percentage.

The Owls kept plugging away, grabbing a 15-5 advantage out of the gate on the heels of a runner in the land by sophomore Nick Lenhard and another three-point goal from Collins. 

Bowdoin showed its experience and chipped back at the lead, however, capitalizing on a huge size advantage on the interior and the outside shooting of Bryan Hurley.  When Hurely hit a big buzzer shot at the end of the first half, Bowdoin enjoyed a 36-28 halftime advantage.

Maine-Presque Isle would answer right away, connecting with junior Chase Vicaire on a backcut on the opening play of the second half.  Vicaire was fouled and converted the old-fashion three-point play to pull the Owls to within five. 

At the 16-minute mark of the second frame, however, the Owls showed some inexperience, in which three consecutive turnovers led to run-outs for the Bears, who converted each one.  In the blink of an eye, the deficit had swelled from six to thirteen points.

Junior Derek Healy joined Vicaire in converting some shots in the second half to keep the Owls fighting, but they could never get close again as Swords and Matt Palecki pounded away inside against the smaller UMPI squad.

Freshman Maurice Harris led the Owls with five rebounds, and Lenhard chalked up six assists.  Collins had a big game from the free-throw line, tallying seven of nine from the charity stripe.  Maine-Presque Isle continues to be right in the thick of a potential post-season invitation the USCAA Nationals, but will need to bump off some tough opponents down the stretch to fulfill the possibility.

Maine-Presque Isle next plays at home Saturday, January 24, against 15-game winner Southern Maine.  Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.