BANGOR, Maine — Maine Maritime Academy went toe-to-toe with Husson University for 40 minutes but came up just short in a 75-71 setback Saturday afternoon in a tightly contested North Atlantic Conference matchup at Newman Gymnasium.

Maine Maritime (12-7, 11-2 NAC) showed resilience throughout, answering every Husson push and staying within striking distance until the final possessions. Maine Maritime generated offense consistently inside and capitalized on Husson turnovers, keeping the game within one possession late in the fourth quarter.

Junior Hailey Blanchard led all scorers for the Mariners with 25 points, finishing 10-of-19 from the floor while attacking the rim and knocking down timely jumpers. Sophomore Addison Forry posted a strong double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring Maine Maritime on both ends of the floor. Senior Evelyn Dagan added 10 points to round out the Mariners' double-figure scorers.

Maine Maritime matched Husson (12-7, 11-2 NAC) in intensity and physicality, holding its own in the paint and forcing key defensive stops, but Husson's shooting efficiency — particularly from beyond the arc and the free-throw line — proved to be the difference down the stretch.

Despite the loss, the Mariners remain near the top of the NAC standings and will look to bounce back quickly as the schedule turns back to home play.

Maine Maritime returns to action Friday when it hosts Thomas College at 7:30 p.m. at Smith Gymnasium.