BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Devin Thompson (SR/Winthrop, Mass.) scored a game-high 22 points to lead five University of New England players in double figures, as the Nor'easters defeated the University of Southern Maine, 88-77, in non-conference men's basketball action Tuesday evening (Nov. 17) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The win pushes the Nor'easters over the .500 mark at 2-1, while the Huskies drop to 1-1. The victory was the first for UNE over Southern Maine since Nov. 17, 2009.

Thompson was 9 of 9 from the free throw line and 3 of 5 beyond the arc to help him earn game-high honors in the scoring column. Both CJ Autry (JR/Standish, Maine) and Gavin Dibble (SO/Greenport, N.Y.) established career highs with 19 and 15 points, respectively. Autry hit four treys and was 7 of 8 at the free throw line, while Dibble was 6-for-9 from the floor. Jean-Luc Parker (JR/Georgetown, Texas) chipped in 13 points and Ben Judson (FR/Plaistow, N.Y.) added 10.

Zach Leal (JR/York, Maine) converted 6 of 9 attempts from the floor to pace the Huskies with 17 points. He added seven rebounds and six assists. Jose Novchanthavong (SR/Westbrook, Maine) scored 16 points, Atencio Martin (JR/Kittery, Maine) contributed 14 points and a game-best eight boards, and Cole Libby (SR/Buxton, Maine) tossed in 12 points.

Leading 37-35 at intermission, the Nor'easters outscored USM 11-5 over the opening 4:31 to open up a 48-40 advantage. Southern Maine would respond with a 13-4 spurt to grab a one-point advantage (53-52) before UNE fashioned an 18-6 run to seize control and lead 70-59 with 5:34 remaining.

The Huskies got as close as six (77-71) on a layup by Leal with 2:11 remaining, but would be unable to reduce the deficit any further the rest of the way.

UNE returns to action Thursday with a 7 p.m. road game at the University of Maine Farmington. The Huskies will face Colby-Sawyer College on Friday in the opening round of the Rivier College Tip-Off Tournament (8 p.m.).