BANGOR, Maine — College freshmen are quick to discover basketball is a much tougher game than in high school.
The faster players make that adjustment, both physically and mentally, the easier they’ll be able to crack the lineup.
Bree Hanscom demonstrated Tuesday night that she is ready to make an impact in the North Atlantic Conference.
The freshman swing player from Mattawamkeag demonstrated her versatility, scoring a game-high 19 points to go with eight rebounds, to spark Husson University to a 94-61 NAC women’s basketball victory over Thomas College of Waterville at Newman Gym.
Coach Kissy Walker’s Eagles (5-6) simply had too much firepower for the Terriers, pulling away late in the first half behind a talented and deep roster of 17 players.
“It’s nice to win a conference game and get everybody a chance to play,” Walker said.
Hanscom helped set the tone with her tenacious two-way play. The former Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln standout showed off her quickness, strength and a soft shooting touch.
“She’s definitely a good player,” said Thomas coach Joy Charles. “The good part about Bree is that she can go inside and out and she’s really aggressive.”
Hanscom, who shot 9-for-13 from the field, made a speedy transition from high school to college.
“It’s a lot more physical,” Hanscom said. “I got used to it pretty quick. Once I saw they weren’t calling a lot [of fouls], I learned to buck up and take the hits and go to the basket.”
Hanscom scored six points, on a 14-footer, a move in the paint and a turnaround from the low post, to spearhead an 11-0 spurt that put the Eagles in front 13-2 only 5:05 into the game.
Thomas (1-7, 0-2 NAC) fought back and was within five at the 7:42 mark, but consecutive 3-pointers by Noelle Lincoln of Dixmont and Jenny Rollins of Corinth kick-started a 21-2 run — which included five points by Hanscom — as Husson extended its advantage to 49-25.
The Eagles, who outrebounded Thomas 63-38, pushed the lead to as many as 35 points (68-33) early in the second half. Husson shot 50 percent (38-for-76 from the floor).
“It’s a building year for us,” Charles said. “We see good things, but we’re a young team. They’ve got a new coach, so there’s a lot of adjustments to be made.”
Lincoln tallied 11 points, including three 3-pointers, for the Eagles. Caitlyn Butterfield of Gorham, Rollins and Rachel Foster of Houlton (five rebounds) contributed nine points apiece. Shelby Bradford of Lee finished with seven points, 11 rebounds, six assists, five steals and three blocked shots.
Amy Miles of Waldo tossed in 13 points and added five assists to lead Thomas. Jess Nassetta of Standish provided 10 points and Mallorie Blakney of Fairfield added nine points and seven rebounds.
Husson returns to action Saturday at 1 p.m. against league rival Maine Maritime Academy at Castine.