Box Score

HENNIKER, N.H. -- With the final basket of the first half, the University of New England started off on a 29-3 run over a period of 11:19 to break open a close contest and pick up a 72-41 win over New England College in The Commonwealth Coast Conference women's basketball action Saturday afternoon at Bridges Gymnasium.

For the third time during their five-game win streak, the Nor'easters (10-3) won by a margin of at least 30 points. The Pilgrims, who saw their four-game unbeaten streak come to an end, now stand at 7-6 overall. It was the first league match for both teams.

After a layup by UNE sophomore Margo Russell (Madison, Maine) with 29 seconds left in the opening frame gave the visitors a 30-22 cushion at the break, the Nor'easters stormed out of intermission to a 57-25 lead with 9:10 remaining. A three-point play by Pilgrims sophomore Rachel Williams (Chapel Hill, N.C.) at the 17:07 mark accounted for NEC's only points during the stretch.

The Nor'easters shot 16-for-31 (51.6 percent) in the second period to secure the victory.

Russell and classmate Kari Pelletier (South Paris, Maine) each scored 13 points to pace UNE. First-year Beth Suggs (Bath, Maine) finished with nine points and seven boards. Sophomore Kelley Paradis (Newport, Maine) and first-year Eden Cianciolo (Fryeburg, Maine) corralled eight rebounds apiece.

Graduate student Jenny Bronson (Morgan, Vt.) led the Pilgrims with a game-high 18 points, and Williams chipped in for nine. Both players picked up seven rebounds.

For the game, the Nor'easters made just 11.1 percent (2 of 18) from long distance, but were able to stay in control thanks in part to 27 NEC turnovers. The Pilgrims also struggled shooting the ball, making just 27.9 percent (17 of 61) from the floor.

Both teams return to action on Tuesday. UNE hosts Curry College (6 p.m.), while NEC makes the short trip up the road to Colby-Sawyer College (5:30 p.m.).