Peoria, Ill. -- The University of Maine men's basketball team, which trailed by just six at the half, dropped a non-conference decision at Bradley, falling by a final of 71-39 on Saturday afternoon.

Peter Filipovity paced Maine's scoring with a career-high 11 points off the bench. LeChaun DuHart added six points and three steals while Vukasin Masic and Kristians Feierbergs each added five points.

For the third time this season, Maine's defense forced over 20 turnovers as the Black Bears' defense forced 21 turnovers with 10 steals.

Malevy Leons led Bradley with 21 points while Rienk Mast added 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Braves controlled the battle on the boards, holding a 44-21 rebounding advantage.

Maine came out of the gate on fire, racing out to an early 7-2 lead when Feierbergs found Masic for a three. The five point lead would be Maine's largest of the afternoon.

Bradley would rally, taking a one point lead with 13:26 left in the first half. Filipovity would answer, hitting a putback off and offensive board to regain a one point edge for the Black Bears. However, it would be the last time Maine would lead on the afternoon.

The Braves responded to build a nine point edge late in the first half before Feierbergs banked home a triple, sending Maine into the break trailing by six.

Bradley would open the second half on a 16-5 run, swelling its lead out to 17 with 12:37 remaining.

The Braves, who took their largest lead of the game at 69-35, went on to capture the non-conference victory, 71-39.

Maine is back in action on Saturday, Dec. 4 when it travels to take on Columbia at 2 p.m.

-UMaine-