STONY BROOK, N.Y. — The Stony Brook and Maine women's basketball teams had been on a collision course in the America East championship game last March when COVID-19 halted play.

They finally were able to meet on Saturday.

The matchup did not disappoint.

After honoring India Pagan in a pregame ceremony for reaching the 1,000-point plateau, the Seawolves served notice of their intent to reach their first NCAA Tournament with a 59-54 win against the Black Bears at Island Federal Arena.

Stony Brook (11-4, 9-2 AE) and Maine (14-2, 11-2) are now tied in the loss column atop the conference standings.

Playing its first game in 13 days, Stony Brook grabbed a 52-47 lead on a three-pointer from Gigi Gonzalez with 3:25 remaining. Maine then closed to within a point, but Hailey Zeise answered with a pair of free throws with 1:14 to go. And after a missed driving layup by Maine, Earlette Scott grabbed the rebound and was fouled. She proceeded to sink two free throws at the other end with 42.1 seconds remaining to reopen a five-point advantage.

Asiah Dingle led the Seawolves with 16 points, including a pair of free throws with 14.1 seconds to go to restore a two-possesion game.

Stony Brook snapped Maine's nine-game winning streak.

The teams wore pink and gray uniforms as part of the Play4Kay events taking part across college basketball to fundraise for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

"We wanted to continue to be strong and resilient women for everyone who has battled and is battling a fight against breast cancer," coach Caroline McCombs said. "Continuing to bring awareness and supporting a cause so much bigger than basketball is in the hearts of our players."

They meet again on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Island Federal Arena.

"Maine is a very good team, and we both understand the importance of this game," McCombs said. "We took care of business today, and it's a quick turnaround for tomorrow."