BUFFALO, NY - It wasn't easy, but the University of Maine at Fort Kent Bengals outlasted the pesky Villa Maria Lady Vikings 77-67 on Monday afternoon at the Villa Athletic Center.

Despite falling behind by 24 points in the early stages of the third quarter, the Lady Vikings battled and fought their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to nine with 6:57 left.  Freshman Shaquana Owens (Buffalo, NY/Tapestry) led Villa with 20 points and 12 rebounds while senior Magan Campbell (Buffalo, NY/Erie Community) netted 19 and junior Jayvonna Kincannon (Buffalo, NY/Erie Community) scored 11.

Villa was able to outscore the Bengals 44-36 in the second half as they shot nearly 60 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes.  

The Bengals (15-3) entered the game ranked third in the latest USCAA I Coaches Poll.  The Lady Vikings (15-6) also entered ranked sixth in the USCAA II Coaches Poll.  Villa is off until Saturday, January 23 when they travel to Pennsylvania to take on Mercyhurst North East at 1 p.m.