Box Score Richmond, Va. – The University of Maine women's basketball program fell in a close battle against VCU on Friday night, 81-77.

The Black Bears jumped out to their first lead in the opening quarter after a layup from Adrianna Smith.

Maine later pushed their early lead up to 12 points early in the second quarter on a layup by Kaliyah Sain.

VCU ended the first half on a 8-0 run but the Black Bears still held a narrow lead heading into the break, 32-30.

Smith led the way with 12 points on 50% shooting, followed by Sain's nine points.

Smith had three assists while Kain had five rebounds, both pacing the Black Bears.

Maine shot 47% from the floor as a team while holding VCU to just 39% shooting.

A back-and-forth battle broke out in the third quarter as neither side was able to get more than a five-point advantage until late in the quarter when VCU pushed their lead out to 10 points at 60-50.

The Black Bears were able to trim the deficit down to three points on two separate occasions in the fourth quarter, but ultimately were defeated by VCU, 81-77.

Sain led the way in a career-night as she scored 26 points on 50% shooting and 6-for-11 from three-point range. She added 10 rebounds to record her first double-double of the season for the Black Bears.

Smith finished with 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds while Asta Blauenfeldt had 17 points and five three-pointers.

The Black Bears (0-3) return to Orono for their next contest as they host Stonehill College on Monday, Nov. 17. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 PM.

-UMaine-