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Nearly three weeks ago, the University of Hartford basketball team was held to a horrendous 22 points in a crushing defeat to Boston University. On Wednesday night, the Hawks did not score 22 points.
In fact, any reminisce of the team that was dismantled by the Terriers was nowhere to be seen Wednesday, when the Hawks upset the University of Maine 73-67 before a surprisingly upbeat Greater Hartford crowd. For the Hawks, the victory stands as their strongest of the year, while the loss for the Black Bears may have been their worst of the year. Coming off a disappointing loss to Albany last Sunday, the Black Bears have fallen to 1-4 in their last five games. The contest also saw UMaine earn its third two-game losing streak of the season.
With the win, the struggling Hawks move to 6-10 on the year and 2-5 in conference competition, while the Black Bears moved to 8-8 overall. More importantly, UMaine fell below .500 in the conference standings with a mark of 3-4.
The Hawks, who held two 16-point leads in the decision, were lead by the steady shooting of David Rufffin. Ruffin, who contributed for 24 points, shot 10-16 from the field and hauled in five rebounds. Ruffin also collected four assists on the day. The sharp shooting Ruffin was followed by Brian Glowiak who tallied 11 points shooting 4-8.
Although the Black Bears struggled to find success in the paint, UMaine was able to get sensational play from their guard tandem of Ernest Turner and Kevin Reed. Turner garnered a banner day registering a career-high 30 points, knocking down 11-20 from the field and an excellent 3-4 from the three point arc. The biggest of which came late in the second half helping the Black Bears rally from 11 in the final three minutes. Reed recorded 16 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Mark Flavin rounded out the scoring for the Black Bears contributing 14 points and six boards.
However, that same Hartford defense nearly surrendered a miraculous comeback to Black Bears in the final two minutes of the match. Trailing by nine, UMaine managed to string together an inspiring rally that pulled the squad within three points with less than a minute remaining. Although on the following possession with less 45 seconds on the clock, Turner front ended a tough layup that would have dropped the Hartford lead to one.
The Hawks proceeded to gain possession on the loose rebound and on the ensuing play Turner put the Hawks on the line after a reach-in foul. Hartford proceeded to build their lead back up to five on the strength of the charity strip. UMaine never was able to recover in the 30 seconds.
Hartford closed the shooting 45.6 percent from the field, while the Black Bears totaled a 43.1 percent from the court. Hartford entered the half with a 38-27.
UMaine returns to action 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon against second place Northeastern for tight conference battle.
