PLYMOUTH, N.H. - The University of Southern Maine overcame a sluggish start and went on to post its ninth consecutive victory Tuesday evening, defeating Plymouth State University, 69-50, in a Little East Conference women's basketball game at Foley Gymnasium.

            The Huskies, ranked ninth and 11th in this week's two Division III national polls, shot 53 percent from the field in the second half after connecting on just 37 percent in the opening 20 minutes. USM improves to 17-1 overall and 8-0 in Little East play.

            Upset-minded Plymouth State held the lead the first seven minutes of the game, and stayed close for most of the first half, trailing by 11 points (27-16) at the intermission.  The Panthers hung around in the second half, getting as close as 14 points (52-38) with eight minutes to play, but couldn't put together a run to challenge the Huskies.  PSU is now 8-10 overall and 2-6 in conference games.

            Sophomore Karly Gray (Southampton, Mass.) led the Panthers with a game-high 14 points and nine rebounds, the only Panther to reach double figures in the scoring department.  Junior Kayla Morin (Pascoag, R.I.) and sophomores Laura Kent (Bellingham, Mass.) and Gretchen Fritch (South Boston, Mass.) chipped in with seven points apiece.

            Southern Maine placed three scorers in double figures - senior Josalee Danieli (New Gloucester, Maine) with 13 points, junior Stacey Kent (Northwood, N.H.) with 11 and sophomore Becky Dixon (Pittston, Maine) with 10.  Senior Shannon Kynoch (South Burlington, Vt.) contributed nine points and a team-high eight rebounds.

            Both teams are back in action with LEC games Saturday at 1:00 p.m.; Plymouth State hosts Western Connecticut and Southern Maine visits UMass Dartmouth. 

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