BANGOR, Maine — The Husson University women's basketball team controlled the game from start to finish on Saturday afternoon, rolling to a 69–49 North Atlantic Conference victory over Lesley University at Newman Gymnasium.
Husson (10-6, 9-2 NAC) set the tone early with an aggressive first quarter, holding Lesley (2-14, 1-10 NAC) to just eight points while building a 25–8 advantage. After Lesley scored on its opening possession, the Eagles rattled off a dominant run fueled by defensive pressure and transition offense. Sophomores Saige Evans and Lilly Roy sparked the surge, combining for multiple baskets in the paint as Husson forced turnovers and converted on the break to take a commanding lead.
The Eagles continued to pull away in the second quarter, outscoring Lesley 19–6. Husson shot over 53% in the period while continuing to control the glass and disrupt Lesley's rhythm defensively. Freshman Abby Radel and Roy knocked down timely shots, while Husson's bench provided an energy boost to help extend the lead to 44–14 late in the half.
Lesley showed signs of life in the third quarter, shooting better from the floor and trimming into the deficit with a 16-point frame. Husson answered each push, however, as Evans and senior Danielle Dow scored inside to keep the Eagles comfortably in front. Despite Lesley's improved shooting, Husson maintained a 60–30 lead entering the fourth.
The final quarter featured balanced play as Husson managed the lead and closed out the win. Evans added another fast-break layup, Roy converted at the free-throw line, and Dow scored inside late to seal the victory. Husson's defense held firm down the stretch, limiting Lesley's chances and preventing any sustained run.
Evans and Roy led Husson with 16 points apiece, with Evans also pulling down 14 rebounds for her sixth-straight double-double, in addition to tallying three blocks. Radel added 10 points and four steals, and Dow chipped in seven rebounds and six assists to go along with five points as the Eagles improved to 9–2 in conference play.
Husson finished the game shooting 40.6% from the field while holding Lesley to 30.5% shooting. The Eagles controlled the boards with a 50–36 rebounding advantage and scored 18 fast-break points while forcing 14 turnovers.
The Eagles welcome the nationally ranked Bowdoin College Polar Bears into Newman Gymnasium on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for a non-conference matchup, as Bowdoin was ranked ninth in this week's Women's Basketball Coaches Association poll and eighth in the most recent D3hoops.com poll.
