Statistics

MEDFORD, Mass. -- A 12-0 3rd-quarter run extended to 25-4 as No.1 Tufts University separated from the University of New England for an 86-49 women's basketball result on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 9) at Cousens Gymnasium.

The nation's top squad improves to 8-0 on the year, while the Nor'easters slip back to 7-2 overall.

Coming out of halftime, a pair of hoops by Sam MacDonald had UNE within 37-32 before the hosts took off to a 64-41 lead through 30 minutes.

MacDonald also gave the visitors their only edge in the contest (6-4) with a couple of early treys in the 1st frame. The Jumbos regained the advantage and pushed it as high as 12 before settling on a 35-28 cushion at intermission.

Erica DeCandido led five Tufts players in double figures with 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting, and she shared the team-high of six assists with Jac Knapp, who registered a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Cailin Harrington, Emily Briggs, and Jennie Mucciarone went for 13, 12, and 10 points, respectively.

MacDonald and Elyssa Nicholas each splashed three triples and totaled 13 points for the Nor'easters. Kristie McNall added nine.

UNE will enjoy more than three weeks off before hitting the court again on January 4 (11 a.m.) when Nichols College comes to town.