Early Edge: SMCC Sets the Tone Early In Win Over NECC

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) women's basketball team put together a great performance on Saturday afternoon, passing Northern Essex Community College 96–44 at The HUB to even the season record at 1–1. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

SMCC wasted no time grabbing control. Sophomore guard Ashley Mullen (Oakland, Maine) drilled an early three, sophomore forward Jade Trueman (Sanbornville, N.H.) finished twice inside, and first-year guard Julia Reed (Gorham, Maine) scored in transition as the Seawolves raced to a 27–3 lead after the first quarter.

The offense continued to hum in the second. SMCC's pressure turned stops into scores—Reed sunk shots from deep, Mullen connected on another three, and sophomore Skyler Tinker (Trescott Twp., Maine) added timely baskets around the rim. Center Darby Flanagan (Dresden, Maine) controlled the paint defensively and got to the line as the Seawolves carried a 51–19 advantage into halftime.

Northern Essex briefly settled in during the third, but SMCC answered every push. Mullen kept the scoring steady, Trueman finished through contact in transition, and the bench provided a spark—Abby Roy (Old Orchard Beach, Maine) scored efficiently inside, Emily Clark (Berwick, Maine) hit free throws, and Katie Lozoraitis (Falmouth, Maine) grabbed five boards while adding second-chance points to extend the margin to 69–32 heading to the fourth. 

The Seawolves closed with their strongest frame of the day. Tinker scored in the lane, Flanagan added multiple finishes and free throws, and the SMCC defense held the Knights to just 12 points in the final ten minutes. First-year guard Mia Gumaa (Manchester, N.H.) added late free throws as the Seawolves cruised to the 96–44 win.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Mullen: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
• Trueman: 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
• Tinker: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
• Flanagan: 12 points, 10 rebounds (double-double), 1 steal, 1 block
• Reed: 10 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Team totals:
• • 49 rebounds
  • 19 assists
  • 16 steals
  • 46.1% shooting from the field
  • 22-for-27 at the free-throw line (81.5%) 

NEXT UP:

SMCC (1–1 Overall) wraps up its three-game homestand on Sunday, November 9, hosting Washington County Community College at 1:00 PM.