University of Maine
Albany (N.Y.)
Women's Basketball Drops Contest at Albany, 68-55
2/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
ALBANY, N.Y. -- The University of Maine Women's Basketball team fell to 6-19 and 3-9 in America East action as it was defeated 68-55 at Albany (17-9, 11-2) on Saturday afternoon at SEFCU arena. Corinne Wellington (Rochester, N.Y.) had nine points and matched a career-high with 11 rebounds, earning her Maine's America East Player of the Game nod. Samantha Baranowski (Stanhope, N.J.) led Maine in the scoring column with 13 points and nine rebounds.
The first half was tight much of the way as the two teams traded hoops and recorded six ties and seven lead changes. Albany jumped out to a two point lead on a jumper by Sarah Royals with 7:30 remaining in the opening half before Maine responded with a 3-0 run. Amber Dillon (Jamaica Plain, Mass.) hit a free threw to start the run before the Black Bears used some great passing, moving the ball around the key until Rebecca Knight (Alfred, Maine) made a nice pass from the top of the key down to the block to Baranowski who cashed in on the layup, giving Maine a 14-13 advantage.
The Great Danes would take another slight advantage but Knight again made a nice slashing pass down to Baranowski for two to tie things at 17 with 4:17 to play in the half. Albany looked to go on another run but were shutdown when Baranowski recorded her fourth block of the half to keep the Great Danes off the scoreboard.
However, Albany would rebound, ending the opening half on a 9-4 run to extend its lead to 32-24 at the break.
The Black Bears inside presence was strong in the opening half as Baranowski and Wellington each tallied six points with Wellington adding a first half high nine boards.
Maine began the second half revitalized as an early 4-0 run would bring the Black Bears back within five. Brittany Williams (Rochester, N.Y.) was able to work her way inside for a layup while drawing a foul. Danielle Walczak (Lee, N.H.) then pulled down an offensive board on Maine's next possession and went back up strong for two.
The Great Danes once again responded, forcing some key Maine turnovers midway through the second half and extending their lead to 15 with 5:12 remaining in the game.
However, the Black Bears would not quit, reponding with an 8-0 run to cut the Albany lead to just seven with 2:57 to play. Walczak hit a mid-range jumper to start the run before Dillon slashed through the bucket and hit another jumper. After a pair of free throws by Walczak, Dillon hit another jumper, cutting the Albany lead to 58-51. Albany broke up the run with a hoop by Baranowski powered her way inside for a layup and completed the old fashioned three-point play with a free throw.
However, seven would be as close as Maine would get as the Great Danes hit their free throws down the stretch, locking up the win, 68-55.
The Black Bears return home to battle Hartford on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. The game marks Maine's Play4Kay game where the team will be wearing special pink jerseys and raising money for Breast Cancer research. Fans can donate at www.play4kay.org/maineblackbears and are encouraged to wear pink when attending Wednesday's contest.
-U-M-
