Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine football team dropped a 44-17 decision to No. 16 Villanova on Saturday afternoon at Alfond Stadium.

Freddie Brock guided Maine's rushing attack with a career-high 88 yards on 14 attempts to go along with his first career touchdown. Curtis Murray also added a touchdown on the ground, the first of his career, as Maine finished with 161 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Joe Fagnano finished the afternoon 21-of-35, a season-high in attempts for 235 yards. Zavier Scott was Fagnano's top target, finishing with career-highs in receptions (6) and receiving yards (102).

Khairi Manns posted Maine's top defensive effort with a game-high matching eight tackles, including one for loss. Deshawn Stevens, who entered the game as the Colonial Athletic Association's leader in tackles per game (10.0) added seven stops in the effort.

Villanova opened the scoring with a touchdown on its opening drive as Justin Covington rushed 44-yards for the score, 1:47 into the first quarter. For Covington, the score marked the first of four rushing touchdowns for the senior on the day.

After the Wildcats added a field goal midway through the first, Maine answered on the ensuing drive with its first points of the afternoon. Facing third and 10, Fagnano found Michael Monios for a 17-yard reception down the sideline. Fagnano moved the chains once again on the drive, finding Shawn Bowman for a gain of eight, to keep the offensive moving. The 14 play, 56-yard drive would end with a 26-yard field goal from Jonny Messina.

Villanova would reel off 28 unanswered points, including three more touchdowns from Covington, to take a 38-3 lead with 9:43 left in the third quarter.

Maine was able to outscore the Wildcats 14-6 in the final period. Starting with its drive at 14:12 of the fourth quarter, Maine would take advantage of a pair of Villanova penalties to move deep into Wildcat territory. Three consecutive rushes from Murray would end in a four yard score for the running back with 10:47 remaining.

Villanova answered with another rushing touchdown, this one coming from Jalen Jackson.

Maine ended the scoring with 2:42 on the clock. Derek Robertson, who subbed in for Fagnano, found Montigo Moss for 13 yards before hitting Jamie Lamson for 11 more down to the Villanova 26. On third down, Brock would slash through the defense and sprint into the endzone for a 19-yard score.

Villanova would hold on, taking the CAA contest by a final of 44-17.

Maine returns to action on Saturday, April 10 when it travels to meet Rhode Island at noon.

-UMaine-