Box Score

STANDISH, Maine -- The host St. Joseph's College Monks outscored the University of New England 45-29 in the second frame to erase an eight-point halftime deficit on their way to a 71-63 victory in a mutual season-opener Sunday afternoon at the Alfond Center.

Zach O'Brien made 10 of 12 free throw attempts to help lead the way for the Monks with a game-high 16 points. Rashon Jones finished with 15 points (on 6-for-8 shooting) to go with eight rebounds, while Tyler Kelley chipped in 13 points and three steals. Raymond Eatmon played a strong all-around game for St. Joe's, contributing eight points, 13 boards, three assists and two blocked shots.

The Nor'easters were paced sophomore reserve Victor Oruonyehu, who had 14 points -- including four buckets from beyond the arc. Senior guard Marchale Robinson scored 13 points, and classmate Anthony Johnson 10. Brothers Marcus Winn and #J.D. Winn# came off the bench to combin for 17 points in 24 minutes of playing time.

Down 34-26 at the break, St. Joe's went to work right away in the second half, scoring the opening eight points of the frame to draw even at 34-34. Jones tallied five points during the spurt.

After the two teams went back-and-forth over the next few minutes, the Monks utilized a 9-0 run to seize control. Jones capped the surge with a jumper to give SJC a 45-37 lead with 16:05 to play.

UNE chipped away, but would get no closer than one (60-59) on a three-ball by Oruonyehu with 2:52 on the clock.

The Monks would tally the next six points to put the game out of reach.

The Nor'easters will open their home schedule Tuesday (Nov. 17) when the University of Southern Maine comes to town for an 8 p.m. start. The game may be seen live at: http://athletics.une.edu/sports/2009/8/25/gen_all_access_packages.aspx