BANGOR, Maine — The University of Maine women’s basketball team took a regular-season approach to Sunday’s exhibition game against Stonehill.
The Black Bears displayed superb perimeter shooting early, then tightened up their defense after intermission to register a 77-58 win over the Division II Skyhawks at the Cross Insurance Center.
Senior guard Sophie Weckstrom went 6-for-7 from the 3-point arc en route to a game-best 22 points, and UMaine shot 52 percent (13-for-25) from long range. Junior Sigi Koizar posted 14 points and six assists, while senior Liz Wood contributed nine points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
“We only have a certain amount of home games in the fall, so we wanted to put up a good show for the people that came out to watch us play,” Weckstrom said.
UMaine, which shot 56 percent, had 21 assists and committed only nine turnovers. The Black Bears scored 26 points off 12 miscues by Stonehill of the Northeast 10 Conference.
UMaine used a perimeter approach early, then switched its emphasis inside in the second half.
“I’m sure for most people that were here that the first half was very exciting, some great shooting from both teams,” said UMaine head coach Richard Barron.
“We were much more deliberate in the second half, ran more set plays, working the ball around trying to get it inside,” he added.
Lefty guard Kelly Martin tossed in 22 points with nine rebounds, six assists and two steals to pace the Skyhawks. Courtney Walsh added 10 points. Stonehill demonstrated good offensive execution and effectively initiated a fast tempo.
“I was very impressed with them, not surprised at all though, because of their success,” Barron said.
The Black Bears made an adjustment in their matchup zone in the second half that helped them hold Stonehill to 36 percent shooting.
UMaine, which opens the season Friday and Sunday at Harvard and Boston College, respectively, set up its exhibition games to replicate that scenario — one it will face several times this season.
The Black Bears surged to a 19-7 advantage as their first five baskets were 3-pointers, including two each by Weckstrom and Koizar.
Stonehill rallied behind three Martin 3-pointers and got within 33-30, but UMaine closed out the half with a 9-0 burst and led 49-34.
The last hoop of the half came as Weckstrom’s pass attempt along the baseline deflected off a defender, off glass and in.