The Husson University Eagles dropped a close double-overtime loss to the University of Southern Maine Huskies 74-79.  In a tight game with numerous lead changes, foul shots proved to be the difference-maker.  With the loss, Husson falls to 3-7 and Southern Maine Improves to 9-3.

The game's first few minutes were evenly matched with both teams trading baskets.  Ten minutes into the half, the Huskies pulled away to a 19-9 point lead.  The Eagles clawed their way back and Shelby Bradford (Sr., Lee, ME) fought through the lane to draw a foul, making her shots to bring the score to 31-25 with the Eagles trailing.  USM's Ruthie Briggs (Sr., Springvale, ME) hit a shot with time expiring to give the Huskies a 33-25 lead at the half.  Southern Maine hit 48% of their field goals compared to Husson's 25% in the first half.

In the second half, Husson's began closing the scoring gap with a six point scoring run.  Kelli Murray (Fy., Shawmut, ME) hit a shot from just inside the lane to bring the Eagles within four points of the Huskies at 49-33.  The teams dueled for the lead throughout the remainder of the half.  USM's Renee Nicholas (So., Sebago, ME) hit a layup with 40 seconds left in the half to put the Huskies up by two points at 61-59.  Bradford was fouled and hit both of her shots to tie the score at 61 and send the game into overtime.

In the first overtime, Shelby Bradford made a driving layup through traffic to put the Eagles up by three at 68-65.  USM's Kaylie DeMillo (Jr., Jay, ME) buried a deep three to knot the game at 68 with 20.4 seconds.  During the second overtime, DeMillo was dominant hitting 7 points and ending the game with a pair of made foul shots.

Husson's Bri Hanscom (So., Mattawamkeag, ME) recorded a double-double with 26 total points and 11 assists while shooting 7-14 form the floor and 12-20 from the free throw line.  Bradford also tallied a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds and 5 assists, while Amanda Gifford (So., Lee, ME) collected 11 points and 5 rebounds.  DeMillo paced the Huskies with 27 points and 5 assists.  Curran Leighton (Fy., Dover, NH) collected a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds. USM shot just 43.8% from the free throw line, while husson shot 68.4%. 

The Eagles return to action on January 9 at Colby College at 4:00pm and Tuesday January 12th at Thomas college begining at 7:30pm.

The Eagles' next home game comes Friday, January 15th against Maine Maritime Academy at 7:30pm.