Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Point guard Alli Gamache '09 (Dudley, Mass.) knocked down a 3-pointer with 2:28 remaining to break a 52-all tie, and Marissa Hesketh '08 (Tolland, Conn.) sank 4 of 4 free throw attempts in the final 35 seconds to help the University of New England take a 61-58 win over Maine Maritime Academy on Wednesday evening at the Campus Center.

The win was the fourth straight for the Nor'easters. who improve to 4-3 on the season.  The Mariners (4-2) saw their four-game win streak come to a halt.

After MMA's Brittany Hunt '11 (Hickory, N.C.) made a pair of free throws to knot the game (52-52) for the 11th time, Gamache drilled a long trey with the shot clock winding down to give the Nor'easters the lead for good. 

The Mariners would close to within two twice the rest of the way, but UNE converted 6 of 8 free throw tries - four by Hesketh - at the charity stripe in the final 58 seconds to help secure the win.

The game was tight throughout, with neither team claiming a lead of more than six points at any juncture.  The hosts held a slim 26-25 advantage at intermission.

Sara Pelkey '09 (Barre, Vt.) had 15 points and nine rebounds to help pace UNE.  She was 6-for-8 from the field in a season-high 37 minutes of playing time. 

Hesketh finished with 14 points, while Katie Diggins '10 (Merrimack, N.H.) contributed 10 points to go with game highs of 12 boards and seven assists.  Gamache scored 10, including three 3-point field goals.

Kate Hutchinson '11 (Dixfield, Maine) led a balanced Maine Maritime scoring attack with 11 points.  Kaitlyn Leeman '08 (Baileyville, Maine) supported with 10 points.  Megan Franklin '09 (Skowhegan, Maine) hauled down a team-high seven rebounds before fouling out with 3:51 remaining.

The Nor'easters will be looking to continue their winning ways Saturday when they host UMaine Farmington at 1:00 p.m.  MMA opens its North Atlantic Conference schedule with a home contest versus Thomas College (4:00 p.m.).

(posted Dec. 5, 2007 | 22:25 ET)