Stats

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- In the first game of the 2024 Jim Beaudry Classic, the University of New England battled back from a 13-point deficit with less than five minutes remaining but came up just short in an 82-79 setback to Maine Maritime Academy Saturday evening (Nov. 16) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

Curt Heinz had a monster game for the Mariners (3-0, 0-0 NAC), posting game highs of 30 points and 17 rebounds. He made 11 of 15 field goal attempts and added five assists and a pair of steals. Jack Banks was 9-for-13 from the floor on his way to 20 points and eight boards, while Markus Ramirez scored 12 points.

UNE's Adrian Torres stuffed the stat sheet, piling up 21 points, nine steals and seven assists. Jaelen Jackson came off the bench to tally 15 points, eight caroms and six assists. Kha Cao Ra James registered a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Adam Lux scored 12. Connor Curcio canned three from distance to chip in nine points.

MMA led by as many as 14 (37-23) in the first half before the Nor'easters closed the gap to trail 41-36 at intermission.

Leading 57-56 with just over 11 minutes to play, the Mariners outscored the Nor'easters 17-5 over the ensuing seven minutes to build a 74-61 cushion and seemingly put the game out of reach.

UNE would not go quietly, however, as Jackson caught fire, scoring eight points during a 10-4 run to get the Nor'easters within seven at 78-71. Curcio sandwiched a pair of 3-pointers around layup by Ramirez to cut the deficit to three (80-77). A pair of free throws by James made the score 80-79 in favor of MMA before Heinz would ice the contest with a two from the charity stripe with 19 seconds on the clock. UNE had one final look to tie the game, but a 3-point attempt was off the mark.

The Nor'easters (1-2, 0-0 CNE) will take on Salve Regina University in tomorrow's 1 p.m. consolation game, with MMA facing Mitchell College (an 84-75 winner over SRU) for the tourney title at 3 p.m.