FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington women’s basketball team forced 27 turnovers by Thomas College en route to a 75-54 victory over the Terriers on Saturday afternoon in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) matchup between two playoff-bound teams.
The Records:
Farmington’s win marked their 11th of the season, improving their record to 11-11 overall and 7-5 in NAC play. Thomas dropped to 6-16 overall and 6-6 in conference play following the loss.
How it Happened:
After a slow, low-scoring first five minutes that saw the Beavers holding a slim 4-1 lead, Ruby McMinis (Wells, Maine) drilled a three-pointer from the left corner to spark the offense. Over the final 4:23 of the opening quarter, Farmington outscored Thomas 18-11 to build a 22-12 lead. First-year Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine) was a key contributor, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds in the opening quarter to help extend the Beavers’ lead.
Sky Kubwalo kept the Terriers within striking distance in the second quarter, scoring 11 of Thomas’ 15 points. With the Terriers in a zone defense, Pingree continued to find open gaps, hitting mid-range jumpers and finishing the half with 11 points.
The Beavers ramped up their defensive pressure in the second half, forcing eight turnovers in each of the third and fourth quarters to break the game open. The second half belonged to sophomore Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine), who found a new gear, scoring 14 points and recording three steals and a block. Dow took on the task of guarding the Terriers’ ball handlers and used her length and athleticism to disrupt their offense.
Dow scored six of the first eight points of the third quarter for the Beavers, who opened up a 20-point lead with four minutes left in the period. The Terriers trimmed the deficit to 15 points, thanks to back-to-back baskets from Kubwalo to close out the third quarter.
Leading 50-35 heading into the fourth, Farmington went on a 9-0 run, sparked by Dow’s play on both ends of the floor. She forced consecutive steals and converted both into points, giving the Beavers a 59-35 lead, their largest of the game.
Thomas managed to cut the lead to 17 on a layup by Yaribel Pena with 4:20 remaining, but Farmington responded with an 8-2 run to seal the victory.
Stats of the Game:
Farmington struggled with turnovers themselves, committing 28 giveaways. However, the difference in the game came down to shooting. The Beavers shot 47.4% (27-for-57) from the field, while holding Thomas to just 32.8% (19-for-58) shooting. Farmington also excelled at the free throw line, making 16-of-19 attempts. The Beavers held a 39-31 advantage on the boards.
Leaders – Farmington:
- Jessica Dow finished with a game-high 21 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-11 from the field. She also grabbed six rebounds and recorded four steals.
- Jaydn Pingree contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals, shooting 6-for-12 from the floor.
- Audrey Mackie (South Thomaston, Maine) came off the bench to score nine points, add four assists, and grab three rebounds.
- Makayla Emerson (Bradley, Maine) added seven points and six assists in 23 minutes off the bench.
Leaders – Thomas:
- Sky Kubwalo led the Terriers with 19 points, shooting 8-for-22 from the field, and added nine rebounds.
- Mariah Roberts finished with seven points, five assists, and four rebounds.
- Bri Benecke contributed six points, four rebounds, and three assists in 35 minutes off the bench.
UP NEXT:
The Beavers will host the University of Maine at Augusta on Wednesday night for Senior Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
