WATERVILLE, ME
Fresh off their first conference win of the year, the Owls headed into Thomas, banged up and hoping to grind their way to another victory. But the grind from the night before seemed to catch up to the Owls as a second half Terrier surge proved to be the difference in the end.
How it Happened:
Despite having some aches and pains as they near Thanksgiving break, the Owls played a solid first half against the Terriers who were coming off a loss to Husson the night prior. Despite a slow start where Thomas led 12-6 early on, UMPI came back to take a small lead, as the teams would then trade back and forth for the whole first half. UMPI's biggest advantage was 26-22 with five minutes in the half, which was the same mark as Thomas's biggest lead at 30-26. The Owls hit a three in the final minute to tie it at 32, which ended up being the locker room score.
UMPI struggled from the field, shooting 38%, but made up for it from bonus range, going 5-12 from three. They also remained excellent at the free throw line, going 5 for 5. But despite the positives at the break, they still had to go out there for the second half. Teams traded buckets again to start out the half keeping the game neck and neck with Thomas in front 47-45 with 13:28 to go. A series of missed shots and turnovers by the Owls and Thomas knocking down every shot they took, a 10-0 run made it 57-45 in a two minute's span. The Terriers were not done as they continued their hot streak, growing the lead to 20 at 68-48 with eight minutes remaining in the game. The 19-1 run completely turned the game upside down.
Though they were on the road, tired, and shorthanded, the Owls still fought to stay in it. Trailing 70-52 with 6:51 to go, they strung together some buckets, beating Thomas to the rim, and even cut it to eight points at 70-62 with 2:45 to go. The Owls' 10-0 run had put them right back in it, but they simply ran out of time and energy as the Terriers were able to seal the deal with free throws and long possessions. In the end, the score was 77-62 Terriers.
Top Performers:
Aleix Moreno had a career day for UMPI as he recorded his first ever double-double. He had a career high in points and rebounds with 15 and 11. Moreno went 6-11 from the field and recorded a three-pointer as well to get to his 15 mark.
Yuki Ishibashi was next, going for 12 points from off the bench. Ishibashi was an integral part in UMPI's late comeback bid as he had multiple isolations to take it to the rim for an easy two points. He also had four assists. James Yamashita had eight points and Tyson Enget had seven for the next two leading scorers for UMPI.
Next Up:
The Owls fall to 2-4 on the season and 1-1 in NAC play. They will get right back to action when they travel down to play University of Maine at Augusta on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
