UMPI's Late Comeback Falls Short vs. Fisher
PRESQUE ISLE, ME
UMPI got back to the court less than 20 hours after taking down University of Maine at Augusta in their opening game of the year as they hosted Fisher College for a 1pm start. The Owls couldn't quite keep pace with their opponent on this day, as the Falcons simply outran UMPI down the stretch.
How it Happened:
Things started out fast for the Owls as they jumped in front 14-4, thanks to some hot shooting and the Owls getting to the rim well right off the jump. But Fisher hung tough, narrowing the margin as the half progressed. UMPI stayed in front until Fisher tied it up halfway through at 23 with 10:47 left. The teams traded blows for the rest of the half, as things ended up just how they began with both teams tied at 41 going into the locker room. After a hot start, the Owls shot 37.5% from the field overall, and Fisher at 43%. Both teams struggled from three point range, as UMPI went 3 for 14, while Fisher went 0 for 7.
In the second half, Fisher battled to get some separation, but UMPI hung right in there as the back and forth continued until around seven minutes to play. Tied at 69, the Falcons grew on a four-point advantage to make it 79-73 with 4:29 left. Eventually at 81-75 Fisher, UMPI fired off a six-point run on back to back three pointers to tie it back up at 81 with 3:15 remaining. Though there was such little time remaining, not much of anything had been decided since the game was so back and forth. That's when Fisher ramped up the pressure on both ends, as they got to the rim easy on some fast breaks while forcing three crucial turnovers over the next couple of minutes. The Falcons kept UMPI off the board while they began to sink their free throws to put it out of reach at 91-81 with under a minute to play. That was all they needed as they finished off the game winning 94-87.
Top Performers:
Akhe McMichael was again the leading scorer for the Owls. He posted 29 points a day after dropping 23 on Augusta. This time he only made two threes however, as he drove the ball extremely well and found success getting to the rim. He went 10-20 overall, while also adding six rebounds, four assists and six steals as he stuffed the score sheet up.
Yuki Ishibashi also made sure his presence was known as he has put everyone on notice running the point for the Owls. Ishibashi had 26 points, going 10-17 from the field and adding a pair of three-pointers. The five-foot-seven Ishibashi also had seven rebounds which was second most on the team for the day.
Tyson Enget was the third Owls in double figures as he reached ten points, with two threes. He also added five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Aleix Moreno led the way with eight rebounds, two offensive, and three defensive.
Next Up:
The Owls will face University of Maine at Fort Kent on Wednesday evening as part of Veterans Appreciation Night. That game will tip-off at 5:30.
