BANGOR, Maine – In a tightly contested North Atlantic Conference battle that featured multiple lead changes down the stretch, the Husson University women's basketball team closed out a dramatic 75-71 victory over Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday evening inside Newman Gymnasium.

With the win, the Eagles improved to 12-7 overall and 11-2 in conference play, holding off a late surge from the Mariners in a game that remained undecided until the final seconds to move into a three-way tie for first-place in the conference with MMA and the University of Maine at Farmington.

Maine Maritime (12-7, 11-2 NAC) set the early tone, using strong perimeter shooting to jump out to an early advantage in the opening quarter. The Mariners connected on five three-pointers in the first 10 minutes and held Husson (12-7, 11-2 NAC) scoreless for extended stretches, building a nine-point lead by the end of the period. Sophomore Lilly Roy kept the Eagles within striking distance early, scoring the team's first nine points.

Husson responded in the second quarter by settling into its offense and tightening defensively. The Eagles cut into the deficit with a balanced attack, as Roy, freshman Sophia Carnes, and sophomore Saige Evans all contributed during an extended run that brought Husson back within one possession. Despite Maine Maritime briefly regaining a multi-point edge, Husson closed the half strong, trimming the deficit to four points heading into the break.

The third quarter featured back-and-forth play, with both teams trading runs and combining for 44 points. Maine Maritime opened the half with another scoring surge, but Husson answered behind timely three-pointers from senior Laela Martinez and Carnes, repeatedly stopping the Mariners from pulling away. By the end of the quarter, the Eagles had cut the gap to just six, setting the stage for a dramatic final 10 minutes.

The closing two minutes encapsulated the intensity of the contest. Holding a slim 68-66 advantage with just under two minutes remaining, Maine Maritime came up with a critical defensive play as Roy's driving attempt was blocked by Hailey Blanchard at the rim with 1:51 left, preserving the Mariners' lead. After a defensive stand forced a turnover for Husson, Carnes drilled a clutch three-pointer from the wing with 1:24 remaining to put Husson back in front, 69-68.

Maine Maritime answered moments later, converting at the free throw line to knot the game at 69-69 with 1:04 to play. The Eagles responded immediately, running their offense through Evans, who knocked down a baseline jumper in the lane with 44 seconds remaining to give Husson a 71-69 edge.

The Mariners tied the game once more at 71-71 following a layup with 31 seconds remaining, setting the stage for a final possession. Out of a timeout, Husson executed to perfection as Roy finished a driving layup off of a feed from Carnes with just three seconds on the clock to put the Eagles ahead for good, 73-71. Maine Maritime turned the ball over on the ensuing inbounds play, and Evans calmly sealed the outcome by sinking a pair of free throws with one second remaining to finalize the 75-71 victory.

Husson's late-game composure capped a strong fourth quarter in which the Eagles outscored Maine Maritime 22-12. Roy led the way with 24 points and six rebounds, while Carnes added 15 points, including five three-pointers. Martinez also scored 15 points on five shots from beyond the arc and Evans contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, delivering multiple key plays on both ends in the final minutes for her ninth-consecutive double-double.

Maine Maritime was led by Hailey Blanchard's 25 points and Addison Forry's 19 points and 11 rebounds, as the Mariners forced nine lead changes and kept the game tight throughout.

As a team, Husson shot 47.3% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc, while converting 10-of-12 free throws, including the final six attempts in the closing stretch.

The Eagles will continue conference play as they look to build on the momentum from Saturday's late-game execution next weekend when they head to the University of Maine-Presque Isle on Saturday at 3 p.m.