DUDLEY, Mass. -- The University of New England doubled up Nichols College by a 20-10 margin in the 4th quarter to pull away to a 67-51 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's basketball victory on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 12) at the NC Athletic Center.

With the win and a loss by Endicott College, the Nor'easters (8-7) move back into a tie atop the league standings at 6-1. The Gulls visit the Harold Alfond Forum on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.) to wrap up the the first round of the conference slate.

Jocelyn Chaput ended with game-highs of 18 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals, while also tallying five assists for UNE. Abby Cavallaro had 11 of her 16 points before halftime, and recorded eight caroms. Ashley Coneys tossed in 13 points and Madalyn Sanborn added 11. Sabrina Johnson scored eight second-half points to go with seven boards and three blocks.

For the Bison (3-12, 1-6 CCC), Isabella Nerney came off the bench to register 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Rebecca Cleary posted 10 of her 12 points prior to intermission, and chipped in with seven boards.

Nichols was limited by 26 turnovers in the contest, while also getting out-scored by 11 (20-9) at the charity stripe.

Nerney hit back-to-back treys to give the hosts an edge (14-12) moments into the 2nd quarter, but a 12-4 run by UNE down the stretch towards the break put the visitors on top, 30-24, through 20 minutes.

The Bison closed to within one (42-41) late in the 3rd, only to see the Nor'easters get the next nine (Cavallaro 5, Chaput 4)and gain some breathing room at 51-41 with 8:38 to go. NC dropped in a free throw on the next play, but the spread was never in single digits again.