FORT KENT, ME
The Owls have a bit of a reprieve from North Atlantic Conference play which began with a mid-week matchup with the University of Maine at Fort Kent. The Owls picked up a 14-point victory over the Bengals last time out back in December. This time up in the St. John Valley, the Owls never fully pulled away from the Bengals, but it was clear that they were in control of the game. This remained true through the end as the Owls ultimately picked up a 10-point victory.
How it Happened:
The game began pretty back and forth with teams trading baskets, and it was tied at 10 four minutes in. The Owls began to build on a lead from there, slowly growing as the first half progressed. UMPI found themselves in front by 10 points at 26-16 after an Aleix Moreno three-pointer with 8:30 left in the first half. UMPI expanded on that lead despite the Bengals fighting to not let it get away from them. The Owls led by 12 at the break 37-25.
In the second half, the Owls still controlled but could never seem to pull away. UMFK fought to keep it close and did so successfully. The Bengals went on their biggest run of the game so far scoring ten straight points to shrink a 12-point deficit to just two points with under ten minutes left. The Owls responded however, never surrendering their lead that they'd held since the four minutes into the game. UMFK got it back within a possession again with under five minutes to play, but the Owls kept answering the bell and making shots. Eventually, they had the opportunity to take care of business at the free throw line, and they did exactly that. UMPI iced it and won by a score of 69-59.
Top Performers:
Dwaine Williams proves to be more and more of a force for the Owls, and he led UMPI in scoring with 22 points. He shot an efficient 4-6 from beyond the arc, and a total clip of 7-12. Williams continues to climb the NAC leaderboard in three-pointers per game. Gilbert Jean Mendez supported his effort with 14 points, five assists, and two three-pointers of his own. Akhe McMichael had 13 points on 5-10 shooting, and six assists. Saquan Carswell added 10 points and seven rebounds for the Owls to make it four players in double figures.
Next Up:
UMPI will bring it back home on Saturday for another non-conference matchup, this time with the University of Maine at Augusta. There will be a presentation for the Owls senior student athletes before the game. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
