BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University men's basketball team used a decisive second-half surge and a strong defensive effort throughout to defeat the University of Maine–Presque Isle, 70–60, on Saturday afternoon inside Newman Gymnasium. The Eagles improved to 4–2 overall and 3–0 in North Atlantic Conference play with the victory.
The opening half unfolded as a defensive battle between the top two teams in the NAC preseason coaches poll, with both teams trading early miscues before settling into the rhythm of conference play. UMPI (2-7, 1-2 NAC) struck first on a jumper just over two minutes into the game, but Husson (4-2, 3-0 NAC) quickly responded with a strong inside finish from senior Gil Matondo to even the score. The Eagles' defense forced multiple turnovers in the opening five minutes, yet both teams struggled to convert on the offensive end as the pace tightened.
Husson began to build momentum midway through the half, starting with a junior Andre McCauley fast-break layup off a freshman Christian Smith outlet. Moments later, senior Eric Ahlers buried a deep three from the right wing to stretch the lead, and the Eagles' energy on the glass became a difference-maker. Sophomore Dylan Burpee and Matondo combined for several key defensive rebounds, and Husson's effort on the offensive boards created extended possessions that limited the Owls' transition game.
As the half wound down, sophomore Connor Heald, who had been steady throughout the early minutes, took over offensively. Heald knocked down multiple mid-range jumpers and attacked gaps in the UMPI defense, helping Husson close the period on a 6–2 run. The Eagles entered halftime with a 27–19 lead after holding UMPI to 23 percent shooting and generating 10 points off turnovers.
UMPI opened the second half with greater offensive rhythm, cutting the deficit to five on a layup and a three-pointer in the first three minutes. Husson countered with a powerful interior stretch from Matondo, who scored two layups in transition, each assisted by Ahlers, to restore a seven-point advantage. The Owls continued to challenge, pulling within two possessions on several occasions, but the Eagles repeatedly found answers.
Heald delivered perhaps the most important sequence of the game midway through the half. After UMPI trimmed the gap to 31–29, Heald responded by hitting a contested jumper, then followed it with a three-pointer in transition the next trip down the floor. Matondo added another finish at the rim moments later, pushing the Husson lead back to nine.
From there, Husson's depth and rebounding presence helped close out the game. Burpee collected multiple offensive boards that extended possessions late in the half, while freshman Derrick Carroll and Ahlers facilitated ball movement that kept the UMPI defense shifting. The Eagles shot 53 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Owls 43–41 in the period and controlling much of the final ten minutes.
Heald finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, showcasing efficiency both inside and beyond the arc. Matondo added 19 points and seven rebounds, powering Husson's attack at the rim. Ahlers contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Burpee posted six points and seven rebounds in a strong two-way performance off the bench.
Husson dominated the glass with a 47–36 advantage and generated 34 points in the paint and 17 second-chance points, relying on physicality and effort to seize momentum as the game progressed.
The Eagles return to action on Thursday when they head to Bowdoin College for a 7 p.m. contest against their in-state foe.
