BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Senior
Juliana Tracey poured in 19 of her season-high 21 points in the opening half to fuel the University of New England women's basketball team in a 71-44 Commonwealth Coast Conference victory over Curry College Wednesday evening (Jan. 17) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.
Four days removed from handing Roger Williams University its first CCC loss, the win improved UNE's record to 11-5, 6-2 in conference play. The Colonels dipped to 5-10 overall and are winless in seven CCC contests.
Tracey was a remarkable 7-for-7 from the floor, including 4 of 4 from distance, in the opening 20 minutes to help stake the Nor'easters to a 39-27 advantage. As a squad UNE knocked down 6 of 7 from beyond the arc in the first half.
Kaylee Beyor finished with 15 points and a game-best 12 rebounds in just 18 minutes of action to post her sixth double-double of the season.
Faye Veilleux rounded out UNE's double-digit scorers with 10 points.
Jordyn Franzen chipped in nine points, nine boards and four assists.
For the Colonels, Lauren Dunn was the lone player to hit double figures. She tallied 14 points, three steals and two blocked shots.
UNE would lead for the majority of the contest. After Curry led 5-4 four minutes into the tilt, Tracey reeled off 11 consecutive points -- including three treys -- to give the hosts the advantage for good. The Nor'easters went on to lead 24-14 after one quarter.
UNE's cushion swelled to 15 (31-16) less than three minutes into the second frame, but the Colonels responded with an 11-0 spurt in a span of 2:47 to get within four at 31-27. The Nor'easters held Curry scoreless over the final 4:24 to establish a 12-point advantage heading into intermission.
The Colonels were unable to get the deficit to single digits after halftime, and UNE's lead crested at 31(69-38).
For the evening, UNE shot 46.8 percent (29 of 62) from the floor, while limiting Curry to 23.7 percent (14 of 59) accuracy.
The Nor'easters will be looking to avenge an early-season loss when they host Western New England University this Saturday (Jan. 20) at 1:00 p.m.
Â