UMBC

DURHAM, N.H.—UMBC senior guard Kristin Drabyn scored 18 of her game-high 24 points in the first half to help the Retrievers take a 42-20 halftime lead, as the UMBC women’s basketball team (9-17, 5-8 AEC) defeated host New Hampshire (6-18, 3-9 AEC) by a score of 66-50 Saturday afternoon at Lundholm Gymnasium.

Drabyn scored the Retrievers’ first nine points on three consecutive 3-pointers. Leading by three points with 6:50 to play in the first half, UMBC closed the period on a 23-4 run, sparked by another nine points by Drabyn.

The Retrievers shot 48.5 percent in the first half while holding the Wildcats to just 26.7 percent from the floor. UMBC turned the ball over just three times in the half while forcing 12 New Hampshire miscues with seven steals.

The Wildcats opened the second period on a 15-5 run to trim their deficit to 12 points with 9:48 remaining. But New Hampshire made just three field goals the rest of the way, and the Retrievers made 12 of 15 free throws down the stretch to seal the 66-50 victory.

Drabyn’s 24 points included five 3-pointers, all in the first half, and a perfect 7-for-7 from the foul line. Sophomore guard Carlee Cassidy added 15 points and five steals. The Retrievers’ 13 takeaways tied their season high.

Denise Beliveau led New Hampshire with 16 points. Three Wildcats posted seven rebounds apiece en route to a 48-29 edge on the boards, including 19 on the offensive end.

The Retrievers have a week off before returning to action Saturday, March 1, against Vermont for the first of three straight home games to conclude the regular season.