Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Adrian Torres poured in a career-best 37 points, and the University of New England withstood a late University of Maine Presque Isle rally to take a 97-96 non-conference men's basketball victory Sunday afternoon (Nov. 26) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

Torres was 13-for-20 from the floor and 10-for-13 at the free throw line on his way to a career afternoon. The sophomore point guard also chipped in five assists, four rebounds and a pair of steals. His point total was the 9th-highest single-game output in program history and the most since Alex Kravchuk's 43-point outburst January 12, 2022 versus Gordon College.

Trailing 97-87 after a pair of free throws by Torres with 0:29 remaining, UMPI nearly pulled off a miracle, thanks in part to four missed free throw attempts by UNE. Three-pointers by Doug McCalla, Gilbert Jean and David Ellington -- the final one coming with 0:01 on the clock got the Owls within one before they ran of time.

Aside from Torres, the Nor'easters placed four others in double figures. Jayden Thornton and Adam Lux finished with 12 points apiece, while Jimmy Hulland added 11 and Zach Boulay 10. Kha Cao Ra James contributed a team-high nine rebounds to go with three assists, two blocked shots and two steals off the bench.

McCalla had a monster game for the Owls (1-4), posting 35 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. He made 13 of 21 field goal attempts and was 8 of 9 at the free throw line. Dany Harris offered 15 points and three steals, while Ellington scored 12 points and Charlie Mellick 10.

UMPI raced out to an early 13-1 lead less than five minutes into the contest before UNE was able to gain some momentum. The Nor'easters would never lead in the opening frame until they closed with a 15-2 run over the final 2:49 to erase a 12-point deficit and grab a slim 48-47 advantage heading into intermission.

The Nor'easters would lead by as many as 13 (79-66) on a 3-pointer by Lux midway through the second half, but UMPI nearly erased the UNE cushion over the ensuing four minutes, cutting the deficit to 81-80. The Nor'easters would slowly build their lead back up until UMPI's last-gasp effort in the closing stages.

For the game UNE shot 51.5 percent (34 of 66) from the field. Each team spent a good portion of the afternoon at the charity stripe, combining to make 49 free throws.

The Nor'easters (5-2) -- off to their best start since the 2015-16 season -- will open Commonwealth Coast Conference play Wednesday (Nov. 29) when they host Endicott College at 7:30 p.m.