Box Score

BANGOR, Maine -- Sophomore forward Margo Russell scored a career-high 21 points to lead the University of New England Nor'easters to a 73-62 victory over Husson University in the Eagles' home-opener Saturday evening at Newman Gymnasium.

Russell was 5-for-6 from the floor and 11-for-12 from the free throw line on the way to her game-high 21 markers. Sophomore guard Kelley Paradis chipped in 12 points for the winners, while junior guard Lyndie Libby added 11. Senior forward Katie Diggins added 10 points and a team-high six rebounds.

Senior forward Shelby Bradford recorded a double-double for the Eagles, scoring 16 points and hauling in 13 caroms. Brianna Hanscom matched Bradford with 16 points, while junior guard Bethany Sevey added 12.

The Nor'easters led start-to-finish, taking a quick five-point lead on a three-pointer by Libby and layup by Russell. After back-to-back treys by Paradis and sophomore guard Kari Pelletier gave UNE a 16-6 lead, Husson fought back and was able to close within three (24-21) on a jumper by first-year guard Kelli Murray.

Paradis knocked down a baseline jumper just before the close of the half to give the Nor'easters a 35-27 cushion heading into intermission.

The Eagles got as close as five (46-41) in the second frame, but UNE tallied five unanswered points to gain control once again and put the game away.

Both squads had difficulty maintaing control of the basketball, matching one another with 27 turnovers. The Nor'easters were able to offset their miscues by shooting a blistering 56.4 percent (22 of 39) from the field.

The contest was the first meeting between the former rivals since Jan. 17, 2002.

Both teams return to the hardwood Tuesday. Husson (0-4) will be in search of its first victory when it plays at nationally-ranked Bowdoin College. The Nor'easters (5-2) will entertain Colby College at 7 p.m. The game can be seen live on the Web on Nor'easter All-Access.