North Andover, Mass. – The University of Maine basketball team fell in a close matchup against Merrimack on Wednesday Night, 72-65.
 
Both sides opened up the contest played good defense and trading buckets as neither side got out to more than a three-point advantage until the 10:38 mark in the first half when Merrimack jumped in front by four at 16-12
 
Maine responded by scoring the next seven-straight points to jump in front at 19-16.
 
Merrimack was able to jump back in front and take a narrow lead into the break as the score stood at 34-27 at halftime.
 
TJ Biel and Keelan Steele both had eight points at the break for the Black Bears, with Biel leading the contest with five rebounds in the half.
 
Mekhi Gray had a game-high three assists, along with three rebounds and a steal in the half.
 
After Merrimack extended their lead out to double-digits, the Black Bears erased the deficit and tied the contest up at 49-49 heading into the second media timeout of the second half.
 
The Warriors were able to get back in front and held onto the lead to wrap up the back-and-forth contest at a final score of 72-65.
 
Notes:

• Biel led the way with 18 points and seven rebounds on the night.
• Steele had 13 points and seven rebounds.
• Steele and Caleb Crawford both had two steals.
• The Black Bears held Merrimack to 46.9% shooting from the field and just 27.3% from three-point range.

The Black Bears (0-5) return to Orono to take on Brown on Sunday, Nov. 23. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 PM and limited tickets will go on sale on Saturday, Nov. 22.
 
-UMaine-