Bangor, ME – Husson men's basketball extended their winning streak to eight games, as they took down North Atlantic Conference opponent Maine-Farmington, 57-52, in their final regular season home game at Newman Gymnasium. The evening was marked by recognition of the Newman Family for their generous and continued support of Husson athletics over the years. With the win, Husson improves to 22-2 (16-1 NAC), while Farmington falls to 10-14 (8-9 NAC).

Husson coach Warren Caruso summed up the win, "I'm really proud of our team tonight. We came up big down the stretch to get the win, and, with it, we have at least a share of the regular season title and clinched the #1 seed for the NAC tournament. There's plenty to be proud of tonight."

In the first half, Husson pulled out to a 7-0 lead before Farmington got on the board. Husson continued to lead throughout the half, but UMF gained some traction at the 21-15 mark with seven minutes left on the clock. The Beavers brought it within two points at 24-22, but Corey Wood (Laurel, MD) and Phil Leighton (Naples, ME) stepped up for Husson and extended the lead to seven again. UMF continued to fight, but the Eagles headed into halftime with a 31-26 lead.

Leighton and Trevon Butler (Waterbury, CT) led Husson with six points apiece. Uriah Forest-Bulley (Turner Falls, MA) and Ben Johnson (Manchester, ME) also each scored six first half points for Farmington. Johnson led the field with six rebounds, as well.

A Leighton jumper broke a scoreless opening three minutes to start the second half, and Donte Cottonham (Silver Spring, MD) sunk a three to give Husson a ten point lead. UMF fought back to 36-31 with five points from Johnson, but Husson saw points from Butler and Mike Gonzales (Fort Washington, MD) to extend the lead again. The Eagles led 45-34 with just over ten remaining in the game. UMF fought back again to within three points with five minutes left on the clock, and then got within a point off a Johnson jumper.

The Beavers took their first lead of the game at 50-49 off another jumper by Johnson off the assist from Sam Leal (York, ME). Husson regrouped during a timeout and responded with a basket from Butler. Andrew Dickey (Cape Elizabeth, ME) immediately responded for UMF, and Leighton did the same for Husson to take back the lead with 2:01 left on the clock. Butler came up with a huge steal for the Eagles as the clock wound down, and Wood sunk a free throw to put the Eagles up 55-52. Aaron Willis (New York, NY) closed it out with two made foul shots, and Husson won 57-52.

Leighton closed out the night with a team-high 13 points and five rebounds for the Eagles, and teammate Butler scored 11 points. UMF's Johnson finished with a game-high 18 points and 12 rebounds to seal a double-double.

Farmington will finish the regular season hosting Maine Maritime on Saturday, February 22. Husson will do the same on the road against Thomas at 3 PM on Saturday.