Statistics
Highlights

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Kaia Anderson scored 12 of her team-best 17 points over the opening 20 minutes to help the University of New England women's basketball team take control on its way to a 68-48 result over Nichols College in a Conference of New England game played Saturday afternoon (Jan. 3) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Nor'easters (4-8, 2-1 CNE) halted a three-game losing streak while upping their all-time record versus the Bison to 31-2.

Maddy Werner, who finished with 14 points, opened the scoring for UNE in the first minute to give the hosts an advantage on the scoreboard they would never relinquish. Of the Nor'easters' four victories thus far, three have come thanks to a wire-to-wire lead. Anderson connected on each of her five field goal attempts in the opening quarter to help guide UNE to a 22-12 cushion.

The visitors got as close as six (24-18) early in the second before the Nor'easters outscored them 16-7 the remainder of the frame to get into the locker room with a 40-25 margin. 

UNE maintained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way, with its largest lead of the afternoon (22 at 68-46) coming with 2:40 remaining in the contest.

Anderson converted 8 of 11 field goal attempts on her way to a season-high 17 points. She also grabbed seven boards. Werner, the reigning CNE Rookie of the Year, established a career best with 13 boards, including six on the offensive glass. Werner and Anderson combined for 10 offensive caroms, which helped UNE to 23 second-chance points. Gabby Soter played a strong all-around game for the Nor'easters, finishing with seven points, four assists, and four charges drawn. 

Alyvia Smith led all scorers with 19 points for the Bison (8-5, 1-3). She was 6 of 7 at the free throw line and also added a pair of blocked shots. Rylee Barrieault chipped in 10 points.

An aggressive UNE defense limited Nichols to just 30.6 percent (15 of 49) field goal accuracy while forcing 17 turnovers. The Nor'easters failed to make a shot from beyond the arc (0 for 13), but overcame that by nearly doubling-up Nichols in the rebounding column (57-29) and scoring a whopping 50 points in the paint. 

The Nor'easters will have a few days off before hosting Suffolk University (8-4, 2-1) on Tuesday. The CNE showdown will get underway at 5:30 p.m.