STANDISH, Maine – The Husson University women's basketball team remained unbeaten on Wednesday evening, defeating Saint Joseph's College of Maine 72-64 in nonconference action at the Harold Alfond Center. The Eagles improved to 3-0 on the season behind double-double performances from freshman Addison Cyr and sophomore Saige Evans, who combined for 38 points and 26 rebounds.
Cyr led the Eagles with a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 19 points, a game-high 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The junior center shot 7-of-16 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line while collecting seven offensive rebounds. Evans matched Cyr with a team-high 19 points and added 10 rebounds for her own double-double, converting nine free throws in the victory.
Husson established control early, opening the contest with an 8-2 advantage behind four points from sophomore Abby Radel and contributions from Evans. The Eagles continued to build their lead throughout the opening quarter, using a strong defensive effort to limit the Monks to just two field goals on 16 attempts. Sophomore Sophia Carnes scored the final four points of the period, including a layup with three seconds remaining, to give Husson a 17-8 advantage after 10 minutes.
The Eagles extended their lead to 21-10 early in the second quarter following a pair of free throws from Cyr. Sophomore Laney Farrar provided an offensive spark off the bench, scoring four points in the opening three minutes of the frame, while Carnes connected on a three-pointer to put Husson ahead 29-16 with 3:12 remaining before halftime.
Saint Joseph's responded with a 9-1 run to trim the deficit to five points in the closing seconds of the half. However, Radel answered with a three-pointer and a free throw in the final three seconds, sending the Eagles into the locker room holding a 34-25 advantage.
Husson came out strong in the third quarter, using a balanced offensive attack to maintain its lead. Junior Lilly Roy scored five consecutive points, including a three-pointer, to push the advantage to 41-31 with 7:09 remaining. Evans and Cyr continued to control the interior, combining for 14 points in the period as the Eagles shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the field.
Cyr scored six points during the third quarter, while Evans added eight, helping Husson outscore the Monks 21-22 in the frame and carry a 55-47 advantage into the final 10 minutes.
Saint Joseph's made another push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to five points at 55-50 following a three-pointer from Grace Ramsdell. However, Cyr responded with consecutive baskets to restore a double-digit advantage at 60-50 with 6:39 remaining.
The Monks continued to battle, trimming Husson's lead to six points at 64-58 with 3:57 left. Cyr once again delivered in the paint, scoring on consecutive possessions to help the Eagles maintain control down the stretch. Husson held off the late comeback attempt to secure the eight-point victory.
Radel finished with 11 points, five assists and three steals while committing no turnovers. Carnes added nine points, four rebounds and two steals, while Roy contributed eight points, three assists and two steals. Farrar chipped in six points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting performance off the bench.
The Eagles held a 46-42 advantage on the glass, including 19 offensive rebounds, and outscored Saint Joseph's 36-24 in the paint. Husson also held a 19-8 edge in second-chance points and converted 18 Monks turnovers into 17 points.
Husson returns to action on Tuesday when it heads to No. 3/20 Bates College for a 5:30 p.m. matchup.
