STONY BROOK, N.Y. — India Pagan couldn't miss. Kaela Hilaire provided a spark in her return from a two-game absence. And the Stony Brook women's basketball team produced a statement win on Sunday.

The Seawolves defeated two-time-defending America East champion Maine, 73-69, at Island Federal Arena.

Pagan finished 13-for-14 from the field en route to a career-high 26 points. The only better shooting percentage in program history among players with double-digit shots came when Jessica Smith converted all 11 attempts at Providence on Dec. 7, 2004.

Meanwhile, Hilaire came off the bench and ultimately logged 27 minutes against the Black Bears in her first action since departing three minutes into a Dec. 22 game against Western Michigan in San Juan due to injury.

"I missed it," Hilaire said of her brief playing absence. "This is the only thing I'm really good at, and they took it from me a little bit. I'm glad to be back with my team."

Hilaire contributed 18 points against the Black Bears, while Anastasia Warren had a career-high 17.

With Stony Brook trailing 41-40, Pagan personally produced the first eight points of a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter and the Seawolves led the rest of the way.

Hilaire capped the spurt with a driving layup.

Pagan's previous scoring high came with a 25-point performance against Bucknell on Dec. 29.

"My teammates just kept feeding me the ball," Pagan said. "They trusted me. That's how I really get all the buckets."

Stony Brook improved to a program-record 14-1 overall and now has opened America East play with consecutive victories. The Seawolves' 11-game winning streak is the program's longest in the Division I era.

Maine (5-11, 1-1 AE) played without injured America East Player and Defensive Player of the Year Blanca Millan.

"Even without her, they're a really good team," Pagan said. "They run good offense. They play good 'D.' It was a good win for our team."

Said Hilaire: "This is my first year here, and I'm obsessed with beating them already."

Before the game, athletic director Shawn Heilbron participated in a ceremony recognizing head coach Caroline McCombs for notching her 100th career victory on Thursday against UMBC in the America East opener.

After Sunday's win, McCombs stressed the importance of victories like the one agianst the Black Bears as a vehicle to host games in the America East tourney.

"To be at home is big for us as everyone is playing for seeding in the conference tournament," she said.