BANGOR, ME – In the second men's game of the Paul Bunyan Tournament, the Husson University Eagles defeated the U. Maine at Machias Clippers 90-65.  The game was highlighted by Josh Jones's (SR, Jefferson, ME) near triple-double and Marc Zaharchuk's (SO, Richmond, ME) domination down low.

The Eagles had 4 players in double-digit scoring – Jones with 10, Zaharchuk with 19, Jay Uhrin (SR, Winterport, ME) with 21, and Brad Libby (JR, Brewer, ME) with 12 off the bench.  Jones also had 10 rebounds and 8 assists, but turned the ball over 9 times.  Zaharchuk had 15 rebounds to go along with his 19 points.  Uhrin had 2 steals and a breakaway dunk that rocked Newman Gymnasium.

For the Clippers, Hampton Mack (FY, Orlando, FL) carried the team with 19 points and 5 boards, and Rick Lupo also contributed with 16 points and 4 steals.  Will Lewis (FY, Apopka, FL) also had a game high 4 steals.

Husson started the game on fire, going on an early 8-0 run forcing UMM to call a timeout.  Husson's early defense caused turnovers and resulted in transition baskets, but after UMM's timeout Husson cooled off quickly.  They shot the ball poorly for a short while and kept turning the ball over to allow UMM back in the game.  Libby's shooting off the bench and Zaharchuk's size advantage in the paint were the key to Husson staying ahead at halftime 43-31.

In the second half, the tempo slowed down significantly, but worked to the advantage of Husson and Zaharchuk inside.  Jones's passing and play-making ability kept the Eagles ahead, and with 10 minutes remaining, Husson lead 66-42.  The final score was 90-65.

Husson Head Coach Warren Caruso was equally happy and displeased with his team's performance.  "At spots, we were very good in our execution and played the way we want to play.  We were equally inconsistent and, at times, even sloppy."  He went on to say that they need to be confident about the positive things they did in tonight's game, and gave example of their low-post domination.  Coach Caruso also said that their physical size advantage and their play in the paint will be the key to winning the Championship tomorrow.

The last time the Eagles won the Paul Bunyan Tournament was 2004, and they will be looking to end their drought as they go on to face the University of New England in tomorrow's Championship game.  The Eagles have already defeated UNE once this year, 74-51 at Elms College.  U. Maine at Machias will play U. Maine at Fort Kent in tomorrow's early Consolation game.

In the first Men's game of the Paul Bunyan Tournament, U. Maine at Fort Kent took on the University of New England and lost 63-57.  UMFK played solid defense on the perimeter, but UNE was able to feed the ball inside and get points in the paint.

Though the offensive rebound totals were close, UMFK had 6 and UNE had 7, UNE was able to capitalize on their second chance opportunities and keep it a close game throughout.  It was a two-point game at halftime, with UNE leading 26-24.

With 10 minutes left to go in the game, UMFK had rallied back behind Kevin Loiselle (FY, Montreal, Quebec) and Manny Odugbela (JR, Providence, RI) to tie the game at 42.  UMFK took the lead briefly, but UNE's efficient play on offense (50% FG), with help from UMFK's poor shooting from beyond the arc (4-21), propelled them to the victory.

For UMFK, Loiselle had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Odugbela ended the game with 17 points and 4 steals, but went 0-7 from 3-point territory.

UNE had four players in double digits.  Chas Rentrope (SR, Peoria, AR) had 14 along with 9 rebounds and 6 steals, Marcus Winn (JR, Austin, TX) had 14, Ryan Knotek (JR, Saratoga Springs, NY) had 14 along with 8 rebounds, and J.D. Winn (SO, Austin, TX) had 12 and grabbed 4 boards.

With the victory, the University of New England will play Husson, and U. Maine at Fort Kent U. Maine Machias tomorrow.