FARMINGTON, Maine – The visiting Norwich University Cadets used an 11-0 run in the final three minutes of the third quarter to break a tie game, en route to a 66-50 victory over the University of Maine at Farmington on Friday evening at Dearborn Gymnasium, on day one of the UMF Tip-Off Classic.
How It Happened:
Both teams struggled shooting from the field to start the game. Norwich missed five of its first six shots and turned the ball over three times in the first 3:15 of play. Meanwhile, the Beavers missed 13 of their first 14 attempts. The Cadets settled in more quickly, taking an 11-3 lead by the eight-minute mark.
Leading 15-9 after the first quarter, Norwich opened the second with a 10-0 run to extend their lead to 16 points.
With her team struggling offensively, sophomore standout Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) took matters into her own hands, sparking the Beavers' comeback. Dow was a force on both ends of the floor, recording three steals in the quarter and turning defense into offense. She drove coast-to-coast on two occasions, helping pull Farmington back into the game. Dow, along with fellow sophomore Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine), led a 20-5 run over the final seven minutes of the second quarter, cutting Norwich's lead to just one point at halftime. Mayo also recorded three steals as the Beavers increased their defensive pressure.
The game remained close for the first six minutes of the second half. After Norwich built a five-point lead midway through the third, a three-point play by Sarah Poli (Benton, Maine) and a pair of free throws from Mayo tied the game at 38 with 3:57 remaining.
However, Norwich responded with a 13-2 run to close out the third quarter. Jessica Zimmerman hit a three-pointer and a free throw line jumper, while Haley Brewster added a pair of buckets, helping the Cadets extend their lead to 11 heading into the final period.
The Beavers' shooting struggles continued into the fourth quarter, as they missed four of their first five attempts. Meanwhile, Norwich dominated the paint, building a 64-42 lead with 4:26 left to play. A three-pointer from Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine) and a layup from Dow cut the lead to 17 with 2:40 to play, but the Beavers couldn't recover, dropping their first game of the season.
Stats of the Game:
Norwich used its size to its advantage, holding a commanding 50-32 rebounding edge and claiming 16 offensive rebounds. Farmington shot just 23.8% (15-63) from the field and 10% (3-30) from three-point range. In contrast, the Cadets shot 41.3% (26-63) from the floor and 25% (2-8) from beyond the arc. Norwich also dominated the paint, scoring 38 points inside.
Leaders - Farmington:
- Dow led the Beavers with 18 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. She also recorded six steals and four rebounds.
- Poli finished just one point shy of a double-double, with nine points and 11 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive glass.
- b added 12 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
Leaders - Norwich:
- Maren McGinn led the Cadets with 18 points and eight rebounds.
- Brewster shot 7-for-13 from the field, finishing with 15 points and eight rebounds.
- Zimmerman and Kiley O'Brien added nine and eight points, respectively.
Up Next:
The Beavers return to action tomorrow afternoon on day two of the UMF Tip-Off Classic. They will face the University of Maine at Augusta at 3:00 p.m. The Moose defeated the University of Maine at Presque Isle in the opening game of the Classic.
