CASTINE, Maine — Maine Maritime built a halftime lead but couldn't hold off Southern Maine in nonconference women's basketball action falling 63-51 at home on Tuesday.

Maine Maritime (6-4) jumped out to a 14-13 lead after one quarter and held a 27-24 advantage at halftime, fueled by scoring from multiple players. Southern Maine (9-1) responded with a 26-11 third-quarter run that shifted the momentum and proved decisive in a 63-51 defeat for Maine Maritime.

Leading the Mariners, junior Hailey Blanchard scored 15 points, shooting 6-for-18 from the field with three 3-pointers. Senior's Evelyn Dagan and Jacquelin Castro each added eight points, with Castro pulling down 11 rebounds to pace the boards. Sophomore Addison Forry chipped in six points, and junior Laney Lyle also scored six for Maine Maritime.

The Mariners finished 22-for-66 (33.3%) from the field and 5-for-26 (19.2%) from 3-point range, but couldn't overcome Southern Maine's third-quarter surge.

Maine Maritime returns to action at home against Vermont State University Johnson on Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. in Castine.