SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- After falling behind by 14 points in the first quarter, Maine fought back to take a lead in the fourth quarter. However, the comeback would fall short as the Black Bears dropped an 82-73 decision at Bryant on Saturday afternoon.

Adrianna Smith led all scorers with 27 points to go along with five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Sarah Talon posted a season-high 15 points with six rebounds while Asta Blauenfeldt added 14 points. Olivia Alvarez chipped in a career-high eight points with four steals off the bench. 

Maine's defense forced 20 turnovers with 11 steals, turning the mishaps into a 24-10 advantage in points off turnovers.

The Black Bears finished the afternoon 29-for-59 (49.2), hitting 13-of-19 from the free throw line. Bryant held a 34-22 advantage on the boards and shot 58.5 percent from the line include a 91.7 (11-of-12) showing in the first quarter in which they outscored the Black Bears, 26-12. 

For the third time in the last four outings, Maine fell behind by double-figures as it found itself down by 14 after the first quarter.

The Black Bears chipped away in the second quarter. After trimming the deficit to 10, back-to-back buckets from Blauenfeldt began a 7-1 run to end the half as Maine trailed by four, 36-32, at the break.

Alvarez began the third quarter with a triple to bring the Black Bears within one. The teams traded buckets before Alvarez again came up big, swiping a steal and taking it coast-to-coast for two to regain the lead for Maine, 39-38.

Bryant snatched the lead back before a pair of late free throws from Smith put Maine back on top, 49-48, with 54-seconds left in the fourth. 

The game entered the fourth tied at 51-51.

Smith opened the scoring in the fourth to give Maine a two point edge, 53-51.

However, it would mark the last lead of the day for the Black Bears. Bryant put together a 22-10 sprint to race out to a 12 point lead with 2:13 to play.

Maine closed the gap to nine but was as close as it would get, falling in the end by a final of 82-73.

The Black Bears return home to host UMBC on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets remain available and can be purchased at GoBlackBears.com/tickets.

-UMaine-