Statistics

BOSTON -- The University of New England saw a 13-point cushion reduced to just two in the waning moments but managed to hold on for an 86-80 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's basketball win over Suffolk University at Smith Court on Thursday evening (Jan. 4).

A three-point play by Jordyn Franzen with 6:19 to go gave the Nor'easters a 71-58 advantage, matching the largest lead of the contest. However, within three minutes, the Rams closed the gap to 72-69. The spread was six (77-71) before three freebies by SU's Colby Guinta with 1:00 on the clock, but then UNE put the ball in the hands of sophomore point guard Grace Boucher to wrap things up at the charity stripe. Boucher made 8-for-8 in the final minute, just enough to counter treys by Madi Mahoney (79-77) and Amanda DeAngelis (82-80).

Franzen's second double-double of the year led the way for the visitors, with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Four others reached double figures, including Juliana Tracey with 15 and Faye Veilleux with 14. Boucher ended going 11-of-12 at the line on the way to a career-best 14 points, and added five boards and four assists. Kaylee Beyor tacked on 10 points, while Gabby Soter contributed eight points, six caroms, five assists, and three steals. Both Veilleux and Beyor fouled out with over three minutes to play.

The Nor'easters (8-4, 3-1 CCC) led in the rebounding department, 51-42, with more than half of those from the offensive glass. UNE had a 22-8 scoring edge in the paint during the second half, and, for the game, posted a 24-3 margin in points off turnovers.

For the Rams (9-3, 3-2), DeAngelis topped all players with 20 points and 14 boards. Guinta supplied 18 points, and Lauren Romito went for 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks. Mahoney wound up with 11 points. Suffolk ended with a 12-point margin from behind the arc (27-15), which included 5-of-10 accuracy in the 4th to chip away at the deficit.

UNE trailed for most of the 1st period until the last hoop of the frame provided the lead for good (22-20). In the latter portion of the 2nd, a 17-5 run expanded the cushion to 47-34, and it settled on nine (47-38) at the intermission. For all but one brief moment late in the 3rd at 61-48, things shifted between seven and 11, and the difference was nine (61-52) through 30 minutes.

The Nor'easters return home to entertain Nichols College on Saturday (1 p.m.).