UMaine Women's Basketball Advances to AE Semifinal with 58-47 Win over UNH

VESTAL, N.Y. -- Sigi Koizar led the way with 23 points as the University of Maine women's basketball team defeated New Hampshire by a score of 58-47 in America East quarterfinal action.
Maine advances to the semifinals where it will take on the winner of Stony Brook and Hartford on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Liz Wood tallied the 23rd double-double of her career with 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four clutch steals. Koizar's point total moved her past both Bracey Barker and Heather Briggs and into 13th all-time on UMaine's scoring list. Koizar hit 9-of-11 free throw attempts to lead the Black Bears, who finished 17-for-24 from the charity stripe.

Mikaela Gustafsson (9 pts/6 rebs) and Chantel Charles (7 pts/4 asts/3 stls) also contributed key minutes to Maine's success.

Maine's focus on the glass made the difference as it outrebounded the Wildcats 37-22, including pulling down 15 on the offensive end. Inside, the Black Bears held a 22-12 advantage on points in the paint.

Both teams struggled from the floor with the Black Bears checking in at 38.0 percent, hitting just 3-of-15 from long range.

On the defensive end, Maine held New Hampshire in check making it the 16th time this season it has held an opponent under 50 points. The Wildcats also struggled from long distance with a dismal 16.7 percent mark (2-for-12).

Neither team was able to secure separation early until a 5-0 run, keyed with a bucket and free throw make and-one from Koizar, put Maine up six midway through the first quarter.

New Hampshire was able to trim the lead to three early in the second. However, Maine responded with another run, ending with a triple from Wood. The senior's 3-pointer gave the Black Bears their largest lead of the half, 29-20.

A pair of free throws with a second left on the clock from Wood sent Maine into the break with a 33-27 lead.

The third quarter was a struggle on both ends as New Hampshire outscored Maine 9-6 over the 10-minute period. The Wildcats closed the third with a 5-0 run, sending the game into the fourth with Maine leading 39-36.

It wasn't until late in the fourth, but the Black Bears were able to finally pull away late. With a slim three-point lead and 4:43 on the clock, another clutch and-one from Koizar put Maine up by six.
New Hampshire closed within four twice down the stretch but could not get any closer. The Black Bears closed out the game with a 7-0 run, securing a 56-47 quarterfinal victory.

Maine will return to semifinal action on Sunday against either Stony Brook or Hartford at 2 p.m. on ESPN3.