Orono, Maine -- In a game which featured seven lead changes and six ties, the University of Maine women's basketball team (12-12, 8-4 America East) came up short in a 56-54 decision to visiting NJIT (12-12, 7-5 AE) on Saturday afternoon. 

Adrianna Smith finished in double-figures for the 15th consecutive game as she poured in a game-high 23 points to go along with eight rebounds. Olivia Rockwood added her seventh double-digit scoring effort of the season with 10 points and a career-high matching three steals while Paula Gallego added eight points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Maine's defense forced 17 Highlander turnovers on the afternoon. The Black Bears finished the contest 21-of-55 (38.2) from the field, 5-of-17 from three point range, and 7-for-10 at the free throw stripe.

The loss marks Maine's first three game losing skid in conference play since the 2012-13 season.

The Black Bears dug themselves a hole early, falling behind by 10 in the first quarter before ending the opening stanza trailing 16-8.

Maine regrouped in the second, outscoring NJIT by a 21-8 margin in the frame. The Black Bears took their first lead of the game with 3:05 left in the opening half after piecing together a 10-0 run. Gallego began the stretch with a bucket for Caroline Bornemann's triple cut the deficit to three. A deep jumper from Jaycie Christopher brought Maine within one before another Bornemann triple put Maine on top, 24-22.

NJIT tied the contest back up at 24-24 before Maine ended the half on a 5-0 run. A Rockwood bucket came before a triple on the wing by Christopher as Maine entered the break holding a 29-24 edge.

Maine held its five point lead early in the third before NJIT fought back, taking a 33-31 lead with 3:28 remaining in the third. Two ties and a lead change ended the scoring exchange in the third as the teams entered the final period knotted at 35-all.

NJIT opened the fourth with a 12-5 run to take a 47-40 advantage, midway through the fourth quarter.

Maine cut the lead down to three on three occasions, including a triple from Rockwood with 38-seconds on the clock.

NJIT came up empty on its next possession as Bornemann snatched the rebound. A quick timeout from the Black Bears advanced the ball. With fouls to give, NJIT fouled Maine on three-straight inbounds plays. A triple from Bornemann came up short but Smith was able to corral the offensive rebound, drawing a foul in the process. Smith knocked down the first free throw and, with 0.1 on the clock, missed the second. However, the horn would sound as Maine came up short in the end, 56-54.

The Black Bears return to action when they travel to meet New Hampshire on Monday at noon in the Border Battle, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings.

-UMaine-