FARMINGTON, Maine -- The University of Maine at Farmington Beavers jumped out to an early start Friday night against the New England College Pilgrims, and led wire-to-wire en route to an 81-53 victory.

Ben Johnson (Manchester, Maine/ Maranacook) led the way with a double-double, tallying 26 points and 13 rebounds, while also recording four assists. He did most of his scoring right at the basket, and dominated the paint whenever he was in the game. Of his 13 rebounds, eight were on the offensive end. 

Yusuf Iman (Auburn, Maine/ Edward Little) and Connor Hasson (South Portland, Maine/ South Portland) were also in double figures for UMaine-Farmington (6-1, 2-1 North Atlantic Conf.), scoring 11 and 10 points respectively. In all, 11 Beavers found their way onto the scoreboard throughout the game. UMF shot 48% from the field, including seven made three's. 

The Beavers got help from their bench, as Sam Leal (York, Maine/ York) knocked down two three's and Nick Hilton (Wilton, Maine/ Mt. Blue) had six rebounds. UMF's bench outscored NEC's 30-21, and gave the starters some rest as everyone got into the game in the second half.

NEC (0-8, 0-3 North Atlantic Conf.) got contributions from Javon Williams' (New Britain, Conn./ Nashua North) 13 points and Joel DeMadet's (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 10 points, but they appeared to be outmatched early and after starting the game on a 14-2 run, UMF never looked back.  

UMF dominated the paint, out-rebounding the Pilgrims by nine and outscoring them 40-26 from the interior. They also took full advantage of their offensive rebounds, outscoring NEC 21-9 on second chance points. The Beavers also passed the ball well, racking up 22 assists on 32 field goals. 

NEC was ice cold from beyond the arc, only connecting on 2 of 13 attempts from three. They shot 37% on the evening and the UMF defense kept them off balance throughout the game. The Beavers forced 17 turnovers on the night. 

Johnson did plenty of damage in the first half, as he recorded 12 of his game-high 26 in the first 20 minutes. He also had seven rebounds, and all four of his assists in the first half. UMF led 44-22 at the intermission, stretched the lead to 31 points midway through the second half, and the Pilgrims never threatened in the final 20 minutes.

UMF will host Colby-Sawyer tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in Dearborn Gym, while New England College will face Thomas College down in Waterville, Maine, in a 3:00 p.m. tip-off. 

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