WBB Falls 80-52 at TCCC Rival UNE

WBB Falls 80-52 at TCCC Rival UNE

BIDDEFORD, Maine - The University of New England outscored Curry College 17-8 over the final 10 minutes of the first half on its way to an 80-52 The Commonwealth Coast Conference women's basketball win Tuesday evening at the Campus Center.

UNE junior guard Carrie Bunnell (Barnet, Vt.) came off the bench to lead all scorers with 17 points. Sophomore forward Margo Russell (Madison, Maine) chipped in 13 points, while sophomore point guard Kari Pelletier (South Paris, Maine) added 10.

First-year forward Hailey Rafferty (Worcester, Mass.) and first-year guard Ana Bottary (Hull, Mass.) each scored eight points to pace Curry.

After the Colonels opened with the first five points of the contest, UNE struck back and took the lead for good with a 12-2 run. Five different players scored for the Nor'easters during the spurt.

Curry stayed close until midway thru the frame before UNE limited the visitors to just eight points over the closing 11:01. Leading 27-21, the Nor'easters held Curry scoreless for the next 3:40 while scoring nine points of their own.

UNE took a 42-27 lead into the locker room after shooting 60 percent (18 of 30) over the opening 20 minutes.

The Nor'easters started quickly in the second half, outscoring Curry 12-1 to take a 54-28 lead with 15:20 on the clock. Russell and Pelletier combined for nine of UNE's 12 points during the spurt.

UNE's defense limited the Colonels to 36.5 percent (23 of 63) accuracy from the floor while forcing 27 turnovers.

Winners of six straight, the Nor'easters (11-3, 2-0 TCCC) will look for seven in a row when they host Salve Regina University on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Curry (5-7, 0-2) hosts Rivier College for a non-conference game Thursday (7 p.m.).

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