Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Guard #Jaykyri Simpson# '09 (East Cleburne, Texas) scored a career-high 26 points, and the University of New England hung on late despite failing to score the final 3:17 in a 66-65 victory over the University of Southern Maine on Tuesday evening at the Campus Center.

After Simpson converted a lay-up with just over three minutes remaining to give the Nor'easters a 66-61 lead, Husky forward Drew Coppenrath '08 (Barnet, Vt.) would score back-to-back buckets to get USM within one (66-65) at the 1:53 mark. 

Neither team would score the rest of the way. 

Clinging to its one-point lead, UNE guard #Chas Rentrope# '11 (Peoria, Ariz.) came up with an offensive rebound on a missed jump shot with 12 seconds on the clock.  After a timeout the Nor'easters would turn the ball over on the ensuing inbounds entry.

Southern Maine called a timeout of its own and had two chances to win or tie on its final possession.  A 3-point attempt with three seconds left was off the mark.  USM came up with the loose ball, but a desperation 15-footer at the buzzer bounced off the right side of the rim.

The Nor'easters would trail 38-33 at the break after USM shot 53.6 percent (15 of 28) and held a rebounding margin of 18-10 over the opening 20 minutes.

After the Huskies took a 48-39 lead on a jumper by Coppenrath at the 15:06 mark of the second, UNE would go on a 12-3.  A pair of free throws by #Isaac Stickney# '08 (Rumford, Maine) tied the score at 51-all with just over 10 minutes to play.

Ian Hebert '08 (New Gloucester, Maine) made 1 of 2 at the free throw line to put USM on top, but UNE would score the next six points to take the lead for good.  Simpson converted three consecutive lay-ups to give the Nor'easters control.

Simpson finished 12 of 14 from the floor for his career-best 26 points.  He added six rebounds, six assists and three steals.  Stickney scored 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, while #Johnnie Jefferson# '09 (Dallas, Texas) contributed 14 points.

The Nor'easters shot 55.1 percent (27 of 49) for the evening to overcome a rebounding deficit of 33-21.  Southern Maine corraled 17 offensive rebounds, leading to 18 second-chance points.  UNE would outscore USM 46-24 in the paint, however.

Coppenrath tossed in 20 points and grabbed eight boards to pace the Huskies.  Hebert scored a career-high 15 points to go with seven caroms, and Greg Whitaker '10 (Presque Isle, Maine) added 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Nor'easters (5-4) return to the hardwood Jan. 4-5 when they host the Jim Beaudry Classic.  Wesleyan University, Thomas College and University of Presque Isle round out the teams in the event.

The Huskies (2-6) head to Farmington Friday evening for a non-conference tilt with the University of Maine Farmington.  Tip-off time is 7:00 p.m.

(posted Dec. 11, 2007 | 21:28 ET)