Lowell, Mass. -- Blanca Millan tallied 18 of her game-high 22 points in the first half to help lead the University of Maine to its fifth consecutive victory with a 69-51 decision at UMass Lowell on Wednesday. The win moves Maine to 7-2 in league play at 14-8 overall.

Millan, who tallied her 21st consecutive double-digit scoring performance, added five rebounds and four steals in the win. Parise Rossignol scored all 11 of her points in the third quarter while Dor Saar added 11 to go along with a career-high seven boards.

The Black Bears, who led from start to finish, have now only trailed for 2:29 over their five-game win streak. As a unit, Maine finished the game 11-of-20 from three-point range, marking its eighth time this season reaching double-figure makes from beyond the arc.

The defensive effort was again a strong suit for the Black Bears who forced 18 turnovers after tallying 11 steals for the third time in four outings.

Millan, who was 7-of-16 from the floor including 4-for-5 from three point range in the first half, set the tone early. Her first triple of the game was followed by a three by Saar as Maine jumped out to a 6-0 lead. The lead quickly reached nine for the Black Bears when Millan swiped a steal and raced the length of the court for a bucket.

The River Hawks (3-19, 0-9) responded with the first six points of the second quarter, tying the game at 17-17.

A triple from Millan ignited a 22-6 Maine run late in the quarter. Back-to-back three point field goals from Millan ended the sprint which saw Maine take its largest lead of the half, 39-23.

Rossignol kept the hard charging River Hawks at bay in the third. Her two jumpers opened the scoring in the period, giving the Black Bears a 17-point cushion. UMass Lowell was able to cut the lead down to 10. However, the Black Bears were able to limit the damage thanks to 11 third quarter points from Rossignol.

Maine concluded the game on a 9-2 run, locking up its fifth consecutive league win by a 69-51 final.

The Black Bears are back in action on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Binghamton as they attempt to avenge an earlier season loss to the Bearcats. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.

-UMaine-