New York, N.Y. -- The University of Maine men's basketball team, which trailed by as many as 20, was able to cut the deficit to just three midway through the second half. However, it would be as close as the Black Bears would get as they fell on the road at Columbia, 77-66.

Vukasin Masic led three double-digit scorers for the Black Bears with a team-high 15 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Maks Klanjscek added 11 points while LeChaun DuHart chipped in 10 points.

The Black Bears finished the road contest 23-for-54 from the floor 13-of-17 from the free throw line.

Maine rallied back from deficits of eight points and 11 points in the first half. Trailing by 11 midway through the first half, Maine responded with an 8-0 run. Five-straight points from Masic cut the lead to four before a free throw from Novak Perovic brought Maine to within three.

Columbia regained a double-digit lead, building its advantage out to 14 at the break before opening the second half with a 7-2 run to take its largest lead of the game, 47-27.

Maine began its comeback, answering with a 7-0 sprint as Klanjscek's jumper carried Maine to within 13.

A 12-0 Maine run followed shortly after as a triple from Masic sparked the sprint, trimming the lead to 10. The run continued, as Maine was able to hold Columbia scoreless over a 5:30 gap. Sam Ihekwoaba, working off a turnover, cashed in on a layup while drawing a foul. Ihekwoaba completed the three-point play, sinking his free throw to bring Maine all the way back to within three with 11:08 to play.

However, the three point deficit would be as close as Maine would get. The Lions rebuilt their double-digit lead before sealing the victory, 77-66.

Maine returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 11 when it travels to take on Quinnipiac at 2 p.m..

-UMaine-