BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University women's basketball team turned in a complete performance on Saturday afternoon, overwhelming the University of Maine–Presque Isle from start to finish in an 88–44 North Atlantic Conference victory inside Newman Gymnasium. The Eagles improve to 4–1 overall and 3–0 in NAC play, controlling every phase of the game behind relentless defensive pressure, second-chance scoring, and a balanced offensive attack.
Husson (4-1, 3-0 NAC) set the tone immediately in the first quarter, forcing eight UMPI (1-6, 0-2) turnovers in the opening ten minutes while hammering the offensive glass for 13 early boards. Despite several strong defensive stands by the Owls, including multiple blocks from Lindsay Hamilton, the Eagles' persistence around the rim powered an early surge.
Senior Danielle Dow broke the scoring ice with a transition layup, and sophomore Lilly Roy followed with back-to-back finishes inside to give Husson an early lead. Sophomore Saige Evans added a series of mid-range jumpers to extend the margin, and freshman Sophia Carnes converted a fast-break layup to push the advantage to double digits. Husson's pressure created opportunities throughout the quarter, and the Eagles closed the opening frame ahead 19–12.
The Eagles exploded in the second quarter, generating turnover after turnover and converting them into immediate points. Dow started the period by knocking down two free throws before Roy sprinted ahead for a transition layup to push the margin to 23–12. Moments later, Carnes drained a three at the top of the arc off a Dow steal as the Eagles continued to run.
Husson's defense swarmed UMPI on every possession, forcing 11 turnovers in the quarter alone while holding the Owls to just three field goals. Dow and Evans continued to find success in the paint, and freshman Abby Radel added a fast-break layup following a steal near midcourt. Evans capped the half with an offensive rebound and putback at the buzzer, lifting Husson to a commanding 47–20 halftime lead.
UMPI briefly found rhythm early in the third quarter with a three-pointer from Aleyah Matheson, but Husson's depth and rebounding advantage quickly reasserted control. Dow answered with a jumper, Evans slashed to the rim for a pair of finishes, and Roy helped extend possessions with timely offensive rebounds. Radel contributed a series of defensive stops and converted from the free-throw line as Husson continued to stretch the margin. The Eagles outscored the Owls 19–11 in the third, building a 66–31 advantage heading into the final period.
Husson closed out the afternoon with efficient offensive execution and steady defensive work in the fourth quarter. The Eagles continued rotating fresh legs into the lineup, maintaining strong ball movement and interior scoring. Sophomore Sam Haber, Carnes, and Laney Farrar all provided productive minutes as Husson outscored UMPI 22–13 in the final frame. By the time the buzzer sounded, the Eagles had totaled 25 assists on 36 made baskets, 31 second-chance points, and an overwhelming 63–32 rebounding advantage.
Evans led Husson with a dominant 20-point, 10-rebound double-double while adding two blocks and two steals. Dow delivered her most complete performance of the season with career-highs in points, 17, rebounds, 12, and assists, 6, while also adding four steals. Roy added 14 points and seven rebounds, Carnes finished in double figures with 11 points, five assists and six steals, and Radel contributed nine points and five rebounds. Husson's bench continued to shine, generating 27 points while sustaining the Eagles' pace at both ends of the floor.
Husson will be back in action on Wednesday when it closes out its home schedule for the semester with a non-conference matchup with the University of Maine at Fort Kent at 6 p.m.
