BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University men's basketball team took down Maine Maritime Academy 91-71 in the North Atlantic Conference quarterfinals at a packed Newman Gymnasium on Friday night. 

After a back and forth opening to the first half which consisted of five lead changes, the NAC East first-seeded Eagles (19-7)  were able to pull away from the fourth-seeded Mariners (13-10) late in the first half by going on a 25-13 run over the final nine minutes of the frame to take a 48-34 edge into the locker room.

Maine Maritime was able to cut the deficit down to eight midway through the second half, but the Eagles immediately ballooned the lead back up to 18 and cruised to the finish, leading by as many as 25 in the final half. 

Graduate student Jeremy Moronta was a big factor all game, ending the first half with 15 points shooting 6-9 from the field, rounding off his night with 29 total points and seven rebounds.  

Graduate student Scott Lewis played an all-around good floor game for Husson, totaling 11 points, nine assists and five rebounds.

The Eagles fast break offense was a major factor in the contest, outscoring the Mariners 24-4 off fast breaks.  

Husson's defense was persistent all night, forcing 14 turnovers with sophomore Tope Alao getting four steals and two blocks. 

Senior guard Riles Neff also had a successful night with 17 points, while freshman Connor Heald and junior Gil Matondo also scored in double-figures with 13 and 10 respectively.

The Eagles were a well-oiled machine on the offensive end, shooting 48.6% from the floor and dishing out 26 assists on 34 made field goals.

Husson's playoff run continues tomorrow afternoon as they will host the University of Maine at Farmington, who defeated the number two seed the University of Maine-Presque Isle in double overtime, at 2 p.m.