BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Junior forward Margo Russell (Madison, Maine) scored a game-high 22 points to lead the University of New England to a 72-53 victory over St. Joseph's College in non-conference women's basketball action Wednesday evening at the Campus Center.

Russell drained four three-pointers and was 9-for-14 from the floor for the contest. She scored 14 points before halftime, as the Nor'easters built a 12-point cushion. Russell finished with six rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals.

Junior guard Kelley Paradis (Newport, Maine) contributed 14 points, four steals and a pair of blocked shots for UNE, now 2-0. Junior point guard Kari Pelletier (South Paris, Maine) scored eight points on 4 of 5 accuracy from the floor. She also picked up three steals. Sophomore forward Beth Suggs (Bath, Maine) chipped in eight points and five boards.

The Monks (0-1) got a strong performance from junior center Ashley Geel, who put up 12 points, grabbed seven boards and had four blocks. Sophomore guard Danielle Shufelt (Sutton, Vt.) came off the bench to score 10 points. First-year point guard Mackenzie Dufour (Augusta, Maine) added seven points, six steals and four assists before fouling out.

Leading 15-11 midway at the midway point of the first half, Big Blue utilized a 14-4 run over the next five minutes to establish a 29-15 advantage. Russell had 10 points -- including a pair of treys -- to key the spurt.

The Nor'easters took a 39-27 lead into halftime after shooting 53.1 percent (17 of 32) for the frame. St. Joe's was hampered by 34.4 accuracy (11 of 32) and 16 turnovers.

UNE started the second half by outscoring the Monks 9-4 over the opening 4:12 to build a 17-point cushion. St. Joe's was able to slice its deficit into single digits (48-40) at the 12:41 mark, but Big Blue scored seven unanswered points to regain momentum.

The Nor'easters took their biggest lead of the evening (21) on a Russell three-pointer with 5:29 left to make the score 64-43.

For the game, UNE shot 47.5 percent (28 of 59) from the floor and forced 32 St. Joe's miscues. The Monks shot 32.7 percent (18 of 55) on their field goal attempts, but held a 39-32 edge on the glass. SJC collared 22 offensive boards, leading to 14 second-chance points.

UNE returns to action this weekend at the Emerson College Tournament, drawing Trinity College for a 3 p.m. game Saturday.

The Monks take on UMass Dartmouth in the opening game of the Curry College Tip-Off Tournament Friday evening at 5:30 p.m.