by Waylon Jones, Staff Writer
The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) basketball teams hit the hardwood this past weekend in back-to-back matchups against the University of Maine at Augusta Moose and the Fisher College Falcons. Both the men’s and women’s teams showed heart and hustle, picking up key wins while continuing to develop early in the season. The UMPI Owls men’s team opened the weekend strong with a convincing 84–68 victory over the UMA Moose on November 7. Akhe Michaels led the charge with 23 points, three assists, and two steals, setting the tone offensively. Dwaine Williams added 16 points and provided a spark from beyond the arc, while Tyson Enget played an all-around game with 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
Tariq Martin was a force on the boards with nine rebounds and three steals, and Yuki Ishibishi directed the offense efficiently with five assists. Alex Moreno also chipped in 10 points and four rebounds, rounding out a balanced team effort. The next day, the Owls faced a tough test against the Fisher Falcons, falling 94–87 in a fast-paced contest. Despite the loss, UMPI’s offensive stars shone once again. Michaels poured in 29 points and grabbed six rebounds while swiping six steals in a standout two-way performance. Yuki Ishibashi added 26 points and seven rebounds, keeping the Owls within striking distance until the final minutes. Alex Moreno and Tyson Enget combined for 17 points and 13 rebounds, showing consistency on both ends. The UMPI women’s team began the weekend with a tough 86–26 loss to the UMA Moose on November 7. Despite the setback, Aleyah Matheson stood out with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Lindsay Hamilton battled hard on the glass, collecting 10 rebounds along with two blocks and two steals. Bello Nevaeh also contributed 8 points and a steal for the Owls. The next day, the women’s team bounced back with an impressive 76–28 victory over the Fisher Falcons. It was a dominant showing from start to finish. Matheson exploded for 25 points, leading the scoring effort, while Hamilton recorded a monster double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Nevaeh put together an excellent all-around game with 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals, fueling UMPI’s high-energy attack. Both teams will look to carry their momentum into their upcoming matchups against the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) Bengals on November 12. The men’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the women’s game at 7:30 p.m.
Cut Line: Aleyah Matheson looks for a teammate on the court
Cut Line: Akhe Michaels and Joelle Hodge confer on the court
