BIDDEFORD — Led by Kadare Brown’s 21 points, the University of New England men’s basketball team defeated the University of Southern Maine 82-70 Tuesday evening.

Brown, a junior guard, did much of his damage from the free-throw line, making of eight of nine shots, but was also five of nine from the field.

Brown said win was a great rebound from UNE’s first game of the season, a 71-63 loss to Saint Joseph’s College.

“It feels great after a bad loss, it feels real good,” Brown said.

The defending Commonwealth Coast Conference champions (1-1) had a back and forth defensive battle with the Huskies, but were able to take a nine point lead at halftime, thanks to a last-second three pointer by Brown.

In the second half, the Huskies took the offensive on the Nor’easters. USM guard Cortez Isaac, who scored only nine points in the first half, scored 21 points in the second, thanks to a barrage of jump shots and 3-pointers. With nine minutes to play, both teams were locked in a 55-55 tie.

The Nor’easters were able to jump ahead thanks to the play of Brown, senior guard Marchale Robinson and sophomore guard Anthony Johnson. Robinson scored 14 points on the night, while Johnson scored 17 and helped UNE pull to a 13 point lead with only two minutes remaining.

Brown said the Huskies were a tough matchup.

“They were pretty good, they played a hard game,” Brown said. “But we stayed together and stayed focused and came out with the win.”

UNE forward Quentin Thompson also had a big night, scoring a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

John Sewall added 17 points for the Huskies.

The Nor’easters hit the road agaisnt UMass Dartmouth in their next contest, scheduled for Nov. 20.

— Contact Dave Dyer at 282-1535 ext. 317.