Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Nichols College led by a dozen with less than three minutes to play but needed free throws in the waning seconds to secure an 88-83 result versus the University of New England in a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's basketball game on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 6) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Bison (6-6, 3-2 CCC) gained their largest advantage of the contest at 80-68 late in the 4th quarter, but a 14-3 spurt in 2:04 by the Nor'easters had the difference reduced to just one. Jordyn Franzen accounted for half of those points, and then a trey from Gabby Soter and layup by Faye Veilleux trimmed it to 83-82 with 25 ticks remaining. Nichols had four turnovers in its six trips during the span.

Another NC turnover gave UNE a chance for the lead, but a missed field goal and two free throws from Adriana Romano with 13 seconds on the clock made it 85-82. The hosts did not get a look at a tie or lead again.

Abrianna Vazquez and Summer Klein each tallied 25 points to guide the Bison; both added six steals, and Vazquez had a team-high seven rebounds. Romano chipped in with 12 points and Leandra Ortiz had 10.

For the Nor'easters (8-5, 3-2), Franzen led all players with career-high of 29 points, which included 17 in the 4th period alone. Among program records, the 13-of-27 shooting from the floor gets a piece of the fourth-most makes in a game. Franzen also matched a personal-best with 16 rebounds, and handed out four assists.

Soter notched a [first-career] double-double, as well, going for 12 points, 10 boards, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Veilleux contributed nine points, seven caroms, and five assists in limited minutes due to foul trouble, and Juliana Tracey registered nine points, too. Mia Arcario supplied seven points off the bench.

The contest had a combined 62 turnovers and both sides left 13 missed points at the charity stripe. UNE commanded the glass to the tune of 64-41, but could only convert 15 points from 25 offensive rebounds.

While Nichols got out in front by eight early, things were tied on three occasions in the 2nd frame. However, the Nor'easters needed a 10-2 finish to the quarter to sit one behind (38-37) at halftime.

A quick five from Tracey in the 3rd established UNE with its only lead (42-40), but the next seven went for the visitors. Klein then out-scored the Nor'easters the rest of the stanza, 11-9, to give the Bison a 58-51 cushion through 30 minutes of action.

Next up for UNE will be a visit to Wentworth Institute of Technology on Tuesday.