BRUNSWICK — Bowdoin College owned the boards and dominated the perimeter, but an overmatched University of Maine at Farmington held on to its composure against a Polar Bear team that was too hot to handle Wednesday night.
Bowdoin enjoyed all the comforts of Morrell Gymnasium and hustled off with 112-24 victory against the Beavers (3-4).
By halftime, it was obvious the undefeated Polar Bears (8-0) were firmly in control after constructing a sturdy 60-8 lead.
“I do think it prepares us because we focus on working the execution our sets and the little things — boxing out,” Bowdoin coach Adrienne Shibles said.
But Shibles also acknowledged that UMF coach Jamie Beaudoin has been working around key injured players.
“He has had some unfortunate injuries but they (Beavers) will be back,” Shibles said.
Bowdoin reeled off another 52 points in the second half to put itself well over the century mark.
“Well, I think for us it is the opportunity to get out and compete. We are playing against one of the top teams in the country,” Beaudoin said. “There is a reason they are undefeated. There is a reason they are ranked 14th.
“And if you look at their personnel, they all play hard. All of their players, regardless of position, are super talented and really skillful so I think for us it gives our kids a chance to play against some of the best players, and anytime you can give your team an opportunity to do that, there is something you are going to get from it.”
Besides their outstanding rebound and outside shooting, the Polar Bears ran a passing game and bothersome defense that confounded the Beavers.
Five Bowdoin players — Abby Kelly (14 points), Sam Roy (12), Annie Maher (10), Dorian Cohen (10) and Cordelia Stewart (10) — combined for 56 of the team’s 112 points. From the outside, the Polar Bears deposited 12 3-pointers.
Rebounding gave a clear picture of what was going on in the paint. The Polar Bears pulled down 54 rebounds to UMF’s 20. Jenessa Talarico had the team-high six points with two 3-pointers for the Beavers.
The University of Maine at Farmington’s Morgan Crocker sizes up the situation in a basketball game against Bowdoin College in Brunswick on Wednesday evening.UMF’s Emilee Eustis tries to pass the ball after being surrounded by Bowdoin players during a basketball game in Brunswick on Wednesday evening.Bowdoin’s Olivia Ware (25) and Maddie Hasson (14) and UMF’s Delaney Coyne (11) wrestle for a loose ball.UMF’s Paige Carter tries to grab a rebound as teammate Morgan Crocker (14) watches the action
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