Feb. 26, 2006

Box Score

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Maine used 12 first half three pointers to propel them to a 87-75 victory over Stony Brook this afternoon at the Indoor Sports Complex. With the loss, Stony Brook falls to 4-23, 2-14 in America East league play, while Maine improves to 12-15, 7-9.

"Maine shot the ball extremely well today and we did not," said head coach Steve Pikiell. "We need to now focus on a good week of preparation to get ready for the America East Tournament."

Stony Brook jumped out to an early 5-0 lead off baskets from Bobby Santiago and Hendrik Feist. However, the Black Bears responded with four three pointers to ignite a 27-6 run spanning 11 minutes. Maine hit eight three pointers during the run to grab a commanding 27-11 lead with eight minutes to play. The Black Bears would extend their lead to as much as 21 with 2:45 left in the first half on an Ernest Turner three-pointer that put them up 40-19. Maine led 45-28 at the break.

The Seawolves fought back in the second half, cutting the lead to just eight after a Mike Popoko dunk with four minutes remaining in the game. However, Maine hit 15 of 16 of their foul shots down the stretch to put the game out of reach.

Mitchell Beauford led the way for the Seawolves with 17 points, while Antwan Hardy added 15 points off the bench. Seniors Bobby Santiago (11 points) and Feist were honored during a pregame ceremony.

Rashard Turner had a game-high 25 points while Ernest Turner had 19 points to lead four Black Bears in double figures. The Black Bears fell one trey shy of equalling their own single-game three-pointer record which currently stands at 16.

The Seawolves return to action when they travel to Binghamton for the America East Tournament. No. 9 Stony Brook will face No.8 UMBC on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Fans interested in taking the fan bus to the tournament can call 632-9556 for more details.