Smithfield, R.I. -- Olivia Rockwood set a new career-high with 24 points on eight made three point field goals as the University of Maine women's basketball team (15-8, 8-1 America East) defeated Bryant (10-12, 3-6 AE), 70-58, on Saturday afternoon.

Rockwood's eight triples were also a new career-high for the senior as the Black Bears matched a season-high with 14 made three pointers. Adrianna Smith posted her 16th double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds to go along with eight assists. Her 16 points marked the 11th consecutive game in double-digits for the junior forward.

Maine's defense held Bryant to just 3-of-12 shooting in the first quarter, and 4-of-14 in the third, as it forced 16 turnovers in the win.

Bryant was able to score the first bucket of the game but it would be the only time it would lead as Maine responded with a 5-0 run and would not trail again.

A 13-2 first quarter run, spearheaded by a pair of triples from Rockwood, gave Maine its first double-digit lead of the day at 17-7 after one.

A 7-0 run by the Bulldogs cut the deficit to three with 4:29 left in the half. Maine ran the lead back out to seven before another 7-0 sprint by the Bulldogs tied things at 26-26 late in the second quarter.

The Black Bears closed the half strong with triples from Rockwood and Jaycie Christopher to push the lead back out to six at the break.

Maine built a comfortable advantage with a 22-10 scoring advantage in the third quarter. Leading by a pair early in the quarter, Maine was able to build a 13 point spread following a 12-1 sprint keyed by four triples.

The Black Bears closed the third with an 8-0 run to lead by 17, 54-36, after three periods.

After a Bryant bucket to start the fourth, Sera Hodgson dialed in a triple before a driving layup from Paula Gallego gave Maine its largest lead of the afternoon, 59-39.

Maine's lead would not shrink below 10 the rest of the way as the Black Bears scored their third consecutive victory, 70-58.

The Black Bears return to action on Feb. 10 when they host New Hampshire at 2 p.m. for the annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day celebration game.

-UMaine-