WEST HARTFORD, Conn. ( AP) — Clutch free- throw shooting, offensive rebounding and defensive efforts down the stretch proved to be the difference as the University of Maine women picked up its first America East basketball tournament win since 2006, downing ninth-seeded Stony Brook 49-43 in Thursday’s opening round matchup.
Samantha Baranowski paced the Black Bears (8-22) attack with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Danielle Walczak added 10 points and eight rebounds. Brittany Williams contributed nine points and eight rebounds, with Rebecca Knight chipping in eight points, six rebounds and a team-high four assists.
The Black Bears jumped out to an early 11-4 lead six minutes into the game.
The Seawolves ( 4- 26) answered, closing the gap to three on a 7-3 run over the next 4:12.
Knight’s layup in the final seconds of the first half gave Maine a 22-18 advantage at the break.
Stony Brook jumped on the Black Bears to begin the second half, using a 14-4 run for a 32-26 lead. Maine answered right back, going on a 9-2 run for a 35-34 lead.
The teams traded baskets, with the Seawolves taking a 43-41 edge with 3:52 remaining. Williams tied things for the eighth seed at the foul line, with Baranowski giving the Black Bears the lead on a putback with 1:05 left, 45-43.
The Maine defense forced a shot-clock violation on Stony Brook, and Walczak and Baranowski hit four of six free throws down the stretch to seal the victory for the Black Bears, who were to take on top-seeded Boston University today at 12:05 p.m.
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