BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University erased a 13-point halftime deficit enroute to a 88-72 win over the University of Maine-Presque Isle in their North Atlantic Conference opener on Saturday afternoon at Newman Gymnasium.

The Eagles (2-4, 1-0 NAC) and the Owls (1-5, 0-1 NAC) played to a seesaw affair through the first 11 minutes that saw Husson gain a 19-18 lead on a pair of free throws from junior Scott Lewis. UMPI finished the half on a strong foot as they went on a 23-9 run over the final 7:47 of the half to take a 41-28 lead into the locker room.

Graduate student Justice Kendall led the Eagles over the first 20 minutes of play with nine points, three assists and two steals, while junior Jeremy Moranta came off the bench to record six points. Husson shot just 9-for-28 in the first half, while the Owls shot 14-for-30.

The Eagles offense shook off their cold shooting first period as they exploded out of the gates on a 25-9 run to take a 53-50 lead a little more than five minutes into the half. Husson continued its second half onslaught as they earned the conference-opening victory.

Kendall led the Eagles; offense in the second half as he concluded the game with 28 points, which was three off of his career high, in addition to 10 assists and four steals. Four other Husson players scored in double-figures as Lewis put in 15, freshman Eric Ahlers tallied 14, and Moronta and sophomore Corey Humbles scored 12 and 10 respectively.

The Eagles shot a fiery 67.5% in the final 20 minutes and scored 60 points, which is the most they have scored in any half this season.

Men's basketball returns to action on Wednesday as they will travel to No. 8 Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Tip-off for this non-conference contest is set for 6 p.m.