University of Maine
Binghamton
Women's Basketball Wins 13th Straight, Defeats Binghamton 70-56
2/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
VESTAL, N.Y. -- The University of Maine women's basketball team (21-6, 13-1 America East) picked up its 13th straight victory, defeating Binghamton (4-23, 2-13 AE) by a score of 70-56 on Saturday afternoon. Liz Wood (Catlett, Va.) led the Black Bears as she tallied her 15th career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Lauren Bodine (Louisville, Ky.) also chipped in 17 points as she went 5-for-7 from 3-point range for her season-high point scoring effort. Mikaela Gustafsson (Sodertalje, Sweden) add 11 points as Maine featured two double-figure scorers off its bench.
Maine went 28-for-58 from the floor (48.3%), including a 7-for-22 showing (31.8%) from 3-point range. The Black Bears, who are now a perfect 7-0 on the road in conference play with one road contests remaining, outscored Binghamton 40-18 in the paint.
The Black Bears, who picked up their 13th conference victory, move a half game ahead of idle UAlbany in the America East standings. Maine's 13th straight victory matches its longest run since 2004-05.
Maine's offense got off to the quick start it was looking for, stringing together a 10-0 run out of the gate. The Black Bears' early success came down low as it worked the ball inside on quick touches, getting six points on the run from Wood to build an early advantage.
The Black Bears went outside with their offense and found success, piecing together a 9-2 run on a pair of 3-pointers from Bodine and one from Wood to lead 19-7 midway through the half.
Maine's pressure defense limited Binghamton to just six field goals in the first half as the Bearcats shot 26.1-percent in the opening half. Maine took advantage of the poor shooting and capitalized on the opposite end as Wood's layup from Bodine gave Maine its largest lead of the half, 29-13, with 4:52 remaining in the half.
Maine held its advantage through the final five minutes, taking a 33-19 lead into the halftime break.
The offense came out of the break and opened the second half much as it did in the first. Keyed on a 3-pointer from Bodine, the Black Bears went on a 12-4 run over the first 6:25. Wood ended the sprint with a tough make while drawing the foul. The junior completed the old fashion 3-pointer play with a made free throw as Maine's lead reached 45-23.
Maine and Binghamton traded runs over the next seven minutes, beginning with an 8-2 spring by the Black Bears. Bodine knocked down her fifth 3-pointer of the game as a part of the sprint which saw Maine's lead balloon out to 55-30.
Binghamton answered, cutting the Black Bears' advantage down to 59-43 with a 13-4 run of its own.
The Bearcats continued to charge and chip away but the Black Bears were able to hold on, picking up their 21st win on the season by a score of 70-56.
The Black Bears return home on Thursday, Feb. 26 when they host UMBC on Senior Day at 7 p.m. Prior to the game, Maine will recognize its lone senior, Courtney Anderson. The game will also be a beach themed event so come dress in your best beach attire!
