Presque Isle, Maine – The University of Maine at Presque Isle men's basketball team earned their 8th win in their last ten games in a come from behind 87-79 win over Husson University on Tuesday evening. The win for UMPI was the first over Husson since January 14, 1998, snapping a 27-game losing streak.
The Eagles and Owls would battle back and forth over the first seven minutes of the game with the Eagles taken a slight 18-16 lead. The Eagles would go on a 23-9 run to take a 16-point lead with 6:14 remaining in the first half. The Owls would answer with a 15-6 run of their own to end the first half as Husson took a 47-40 lead into the break.
Husson would take command of the game with a 22-9 run to start the second half taking a 20-point lead, 69-49 with 11:52 remaining in the game. Over the next six minutes the Owls would come flying back with a 21-0 run to take a 70-69 lead with 5:52 remaining. DJ Bussey would answer on the next possession, nailing a three-pointer as Husson retook the lead, 72-70. The Owls would then go on to score 15 points over the last five minutes of the game while holding Husson to only seven points as UMPI went on to the 87-79 victory.
UMPI was led by senior guard Griffin Guerrette who recorded 24 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while only committing one turnover and shooting14-for-15 from the free throw line. Senior forward Dany Harris continued his stellar play recording a double double with 21 points and 13 rebounds while also adding four steals, three assists, and shooting 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Gilbert Jean Mendez added 13 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Parker Onorato chipped in with 13 points and Glen Jones added five points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Husson was led by the tandem backcourt of Justice Kendall and DJ Bussey. Kendall finished with 22 points, four assists, and four rebounds while Bussey scored 17 points. Forward Justin Thompson recorded a double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
UMPI improves to 12-9 overall and 6-4 within NAC play, while Husson falls to 11-9 overall and 8-3 in conference play. UMPI finishes up the regular season with back-to-back games against NVU-Lyndon this Friday and Saturday. Husson will travel to MMA on Saturday as they look to lock up the number one seed and homecourt advantage for the upcoming North Atlantic Conference playoffs.