Feb 03, 2011
BOSTON, Mass. -- Trailing 24-18 less than one minute into the second period, the University of New England went on a 26-6 spurt over the next 5:15 to seize control and come away with a 62-50 The Commonwealth Coast Conference win over Wentworth Institute of Technology in women's basketball action Thursday evening at Tansey Gymnasium.
Big Blue, with its fifth consecutive victory, stands at 14-6 overall and 7-1 in TCCC games. The Nor'easters have won the last four meetings against the Leopards.
Wentworth (8-12, 2-6) began the second period with a 21-18 advantage after holding UNE to its lowest score in a half this season, and increased its the margin to six on a three-pointer by senior Kirsten Vallone (Avon, N.Y.).
From there the visitors took over, led by junior Kelley Paradis (Newport, Maine) and senior Carrie Bunnell (Barnet, Vt.), who accounted for all 26 points during the stretch that left UNE on top, 44-30, with 14:08 to play.
The Leopards pulled within seven (46-39) midway through frame, but could not get any closer. Big Blue's cushion grew to 18 late before settling on the final score.
Bunnell paced the Nor'easters with a game-high 22 points, converting 6-of-9 attempts from downtown. Paradis tallied all of her 19 points in the second half on 8-of-12 shooting, and added a team-high nine rebounds.
Sophomore Beth Suggs (Bath, Maine) chipped in with seven points and eight boards. Juniors Kari Pelletier (South Paris, Maine) and Margo Russell (Madison, Maine) each dished out five assists.
UNE was limited to just 21 percent (5-for-24) shooting in the opening frame, but responded with a 53 percent (16 of 30) showing in the final stanza.
Wentworth first-year Kendra Kerr (Marshfield, Mass.) led the hosts with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Vallone also recorded a double-double with 12 and 12.
The Nor'easters return home Saturday for a date against Roger Williams University at 1 p.m. The Leopards host Anna Maria College the same day and time.