Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England Nor'easters utilized a 16-2 run midway through the second half to open up a close game on their way to an 88-77 victory over Colby College in non-conference men's basketball action Monday evening at the Campus Center.

The win was UNE's first win over the Mules in more than 20 years.  The Nor'easters now stand at 2-3, while Colby is 3-3.

Trailing 58-54 with 12:40 remaining, the Nor'easters poured in nine consecutive points to take a 63-58 advantage.  First-year guard Anthony Johnson (Austin, Texas) started the run with a lay-up, then sophomore guard Chas Rentrope (Peoria, Ariz.) gave UNE the lead for good with a three-point play at the 10:02 mark.  

A basket by senior guard Jaykyri Simpson (East Cleburne, Texas) and two free throws by first-year guard Quentin Thompson (Austin, Texas) capped the spurt.

After Colby junior forward Gil Haylon (Wellesley, Mass.) knocked down a jumper to halt UNE's run, Johnson converted consecutive lay-ups and junior guard Marchale Robinson (Baton Rouge, La.) drilled a three-pointer to give the Nor'easters a 70-60 advantage with 6:11 on the clock.

The Mules would get no closer than seven the rest of the way.

Simpson scored a team-high 17 points for UNE before fouling out with 3:26 to play.  Senior forward Johnnie Jefferson (Dallas, Texas) finished with 15, while Johnson scored 12 and Robinson 10.  Johnson and Robinson combined for 22 second-half points to help the rally.

Colby sophomore forward Michael Russell (Wellesley, Mass.) came up with game highs of 28 points and 15 rebounds to register his third double-double.  He was 12 of 15 from the floor and collared 10 offensive rebounds.

Junior forward Adam Choice (Newport, R.I.) had 16 points and six boards for the Mules, while senior point guard Artie Cutrone (Garden City, N.J.) offered a strong performance with 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.  Junior guard Justin Sherman (Piedmont, Calif.) made both of his three-point attempts and finished with 11 points.

Colby used its decided height advantage to take a 42-30 margin in rebounds.  UNE countered by shooting 53.3 percent (16 of 30) in the second half and committing just 12 turnovers for the game.

The first half featured six lead changes.  The Mules got off to a quick start to assume a 20-12 cushion, but UNE went on a 11-2 run to take its first lead (23-22) halfway through the frame.  The visitors tallied the final four points of the half to take a 37-34 lead into intermission.

Colby returns to the hardwood Wednesday with a road contest at UMaine Farmington (7:00 p.m.).  

The Nor'easters are idle until Friday and Saturday when they head to Bangor to participate in the Paul Bunyan Tournament hosted by Husson University.  UNE draws UMaine Fort Kent in the opening round.