Box Score

BANGOR, Maine -- The University of New England Nor'easters fended off a late charge by host Husson University for a 74-71 victory in the championship game of the Paul Bunyan Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Newman Gymnasium.

Leading by 10 (63-53) midway through the second half, the Nor'easters saw their advantage whittled to one (67-66) on a three-pointer by Nick Perras with 5:21 remaining. 

UNE responded with a 5-0 run on a three-pointer by Sean Caddigan and jumper by Jaykyri Simpson to move back up by six inside of four minutes.

Husson was once again able to chip away, pulling to within three (74-71) on a pair of Blake Meehan free throws with 1:18 on the clock.

Neither team would score the rest of the way.  The Nor'easters committed two turnovers in the final 37 seconds, and the Eagles missed three field goal attempts in the last 19 seconds.  Quentin Thompson had a key blocked shot for UNE with nine ticks left.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Anthony Johnson scored a game-high 17 points to pace the Nor'easters.  He was 7-for-11 from the floor, as UNE shot a robust 52.6 percent (30 of 57) for the game.  Chas Rentrope  pitched in with 14 points and six steals, while Johnnie Jefferson added 12 points.  Simpson finished with nine points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Meehan had 15 points, four steals and a pair of blocked shots to lead the way for Husson.  Brock Bradford and Matt McKenzie each scored 14 points.

The Nor'easters overcame a slow start in the first half on their way to victory.  Husson opened up an early 7-0 lead, but UNE was able to recover and take an 18-16 cushion midway through the frame.  The Nor'easters led 41-38 at the break.

UNE returns to action Tuesday evening when Tufts University comes to the Campus Center for a 7:00 p.m. contest.