In a game that could have USCAA national tournament implications, Maine-Presque Isle had control early but appeared to wear down late in their 68-55 loss at Maine-Machias Thursday.

Playing its third game in four days, UMPI managed to arrest control of the game midway through the first half on sharp pressbreaks in the half-court trap, with sophomore Nick Lenhard finding teammates like sophomore Brandon McGill and freshman Quinton Harris for layups.

Defensively, the Owls were energetic and kept the powerful front line of Machias off the offensive boards, allowing Maine-Presque Isle a 31-25 halftime advantage.

The Clippers chipped away slowly at the advantage relatively early in the second frame, leading to 11 lead changes as the game wore on.

Then, at a key moment with approximately five minutes to play, Maine-Presque Isle allowed an offensive rebound and putback by Floyd Higgins, then turned the ball over for a run-out layup on the subsequent possession to drop down by five in a matter of seconds.

The Owls could never right the ship after that point, struggling for defensive rebounds and finishes on the offensive end.  The loss snaps a four-game win streak for Maine-Presque Isle, and leaves the team in desperate need of a win in their final regular-season game to have any hope for a national tournament invitation.