MILTON, Mass. -- The University of New England limited Curry College to 18.5 percent field-goal shooting following halftime and forced 13 turnovers in that span to overcome a five-point deficit for a 56-45 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's basketball victory on Tuesday evening (Jan. 16) at Katz Gymnasium.

Big Blue gained the lead for good (39-38) with 4:32 left in the 3rd quarter, and had a 47-41 edge entering the 4th frame. UNE then conceded a mere four points during the final period.

The Nor'easters (11-3, 7-1 CCC) were paced by 14 points from Sam MacDonald. Kristie McNall posted 12 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Olivia Shaw and Ashley Coneys each had eight points and combined for 15 rebounds -- a category that UNE topped by a 44-37 margin.

For the Colonels (9-7, 5-4 CCC), Emily Irwin totaled 14 points, seven boards, and five steals. Nicole Rice accounted for 11 points and another seven caroms.

Curry's advantage peaked at five points on four occasions in the opening 20 minutes (8-3, 27-22, 30-25, 32-27), as the hosts connected on 41 percent of their attempts from the floor. After holding a 17-13 through the 1st quarter, UNE was hampered by nine turnovers in the 2nd.

The Nor'easters return home for round two with Endicott College on Saturday (1 p.m.). UNE captured a 57-48 road win over the Gulls back on December 5.