Highlights

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Behind a 19-2 surge to close out the 3rd quarter, top-seeded University of New England secured a 77-60 win over fourth-seeded Western New England University in the semifinals of the 2018 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Women's Basketball Championship on Thursday evening (Feb. 22) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Nor'easters will make their sixth consecutive appearance in the league title match on Saturday (2 p.m.), this time taking on second-seeded Roger Williams University (a 58-50 winner over No.3 Endicott). [Interactive Bracket]

UNE trailed by as many as six in the 1st, but had gained the edge for good in the middle of the 2nd frame. The separation was three (39-36) before the deciding run, which spanned 5:50 and established the largest lead of the contest (58-38). Kristie McNall led the spurt with seven points.

Winners of nine straight, the Nor'easters (22-5) were paced by a 22-point, 16-rebound, four-assist outing by Olivia Shaw (CCC 1st Team). Jocelyn Chaput (CCC 3rd Team) added 15 points, eight caroms, and six steals, while McNall ended with 13 points -- all after halftime. Ashley Coneys and Sam MacDonald (CCC 1st Team) had 12 points apiece; Coneys also registered 11 boards as the home side posted a commanding 48-29 rebounding advantage.

For Shaw, it was the ninth double-double of the year, and the third for Coneys.

The Golden Bears (17-10) received a team-high 17 points from Emily Farrell. Dorothy O'Neill (CCC 1st Team) tossed in 13 points and dished out six assists, and Courtney Carlson went for 13 points (all following intermission) with three blocks.

Western New England out-shot the Nor'easters in the opening half, 46%-32%, but was hampered by 12 turnovers. UNE also grabbed 12 offensive rebounds during the initial 20 minutes and converted them into 11 second-chance points to aid its 35-29 cushion on the scoreboard.

Big Blue connected at a 48-percent clip from the field after the break.

UNE and WNEU, the participants in the last two championship games, had split the regular-season series by winning on the other's home court.

Saturday's final will serve as the rubber-match between Roger Williams and UNE in 2017-18. The Nor'easters captured a 52-43 result at home back on December 2, and their last setback was on January 27 when the Hawks took a 62-54 decision in Rhode Island. Both battles featured the hosts overcoming a halftime deficit with a strong third period.