Statistics

GORHAM, Maine -- The University of Southern Maine began the 2nd period with a 12-0 spurt in 2:32 to flip a six-point deficit and slowly pulled away to a 114-99 men's basketball result versus the University of New England in the mutual season-opener on Tuesday night (Nov. 13) at Hill Gymnasium.

The Huskies led for most of the opening half, including by 11 early on (23-12). Things got as close as one (44-43) before USM established a 55-48 edge, only to then surrender a 13-0 run to the Nor'easters over the last 4:05 of the frame and trail 61-55 at the break.

After the hosts regained the advantage in the final stanza, UNE closed to within three (67-64) on its ensuing trips, but could not slow the Huskies attack. The spread reached double digits for good at 83-73 with 12:37 remaining.

Southern Maine (1-0) was paced by Christian McCue, who drained five three-pointers on the way to 28 points. Grayson Waterman registered 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the floor, and added nine rebounds along with five helpers. Jayvon Pitts-Young accounted for half of his 20 points at the charity stripe, part of a double-double that featured game-highs of 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The Huskies shot 53 percent (41-of-77) for the match, notching almost half of their point total (56) in the paint. UNE cooled off following halftime to settle at 42 percent (33-for-78).

The Nor'easters (0-1) had five players score in double figures, led by Drew Muniz with an 18-point performance that included four triples. Alex Kravchuk tallied 13 before fouling out just past the midway mark of the second half, and Jackson McCoy contributed 12 points as well as a team-best eight caroms. Ryan Beatty and Avery DeBrito chipped in with 11 points apiece.

UNE returns to Biddeford and will host the two-day Hampton Inn Jim Beaudry Classic this weekend at the Harold Alfond Forum. The Nor'easters are slated to tip things off with Fitchburg State University on Friday (5:30 p.m.).