Box Score

BANGOR, Maine -- University of New England first-year guard Anthony Johnson (Austin, Texas) poured in a career-high 27 points to lead the Nor'easters to a 96-85 men's basketball victory over the UMaine Fort Kent Bengals Friday night in the opening round of the Paul Bunyan Tournament hosted by Husson University.  

Johnson helped the Nor'easters overcome a one-point (46-45) halftime deficit.  He finished 12 of 16 from the floor and added four assists and three steals.

Senior forward Johnnie Jefferson (Dallas, Texas) contributed 15 points, five rebounds and three steals.  Jefferson made three shots from beyond the three-point arc.  Sophomore guard Chas Rentrope (Peoria, Ariz.) played a solid all-around game, contributing 15 points, seven boards and four steals.

UNE shot 54.0 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point land.

Jimmy Lopez scored 24 points - including six 3-pointers - for the Bengals, who were hampered by 22 turnovers.  

The Nor'easters advance to tomorrow's tournament final and will face host Husson, a 123-77 winner of UMaine Presque Isle.  The championship game is slated for a 4:00 p.m. tip-off.