Nor'easters pull away from Gordon for 78-40 victory

More news about: University of New England
WENHAM, Mass. -- The University of New England used a 17-0 run in less than four minutes of action during the 3rd quarter to extend a four-point advantage on its way to a 78-40 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's basketball victory over Gordon College on Tuesday evening (Jan. 5) at the Bennett Center.

The Nor'easters, who have taken the last 17 meetings from the Fighting Scots, end a two-game skid and move to 6-3 overall (3-0 CCC).

UNE received a game-best 14 points, nine rebounds, and four steals out of Lauren HaydenMeghan Gribbin did not miss in four attempts from the field and two from the line, totaling 13 points, and Olivia Shaw registered 11 points, seven boards, and four steals. Laura Holman and Alicia Brown each contributed eight points.

Big Blue overcame 32 percent (25 for 79) shooting by converting 39 Gordon turnovers (with 25 steals) into 44 points going the other way.

The Nor'easters took the lead for good in the closing minutes of the 1st frame, and had a 17-12 cushion after the session. The gap became 29-17 before settling at seven (29-22) for the halftime break.

Hayden had nine points in the separating stretch of the 3rd, as UNE established a 46-25 margin. The stanza ended with 27 points for the visitors and a 56-31 lead.

After double digits in each of the first-half periods, Gordon (4-7, 0-4 CCC) could not solve the opposing defense for more than nine in the last two.

The Fighting Scots were led by nine points and eight rebounds from Jamie Tafoya.

UNE will be back at home for the first time in over a month on Thursday (5:30 p.m.) for a league match with Curry College.