ORONO, Maine – Behind a goal and an assist by Bret Tyler, Maine cruised to a 3-0 shutout victory Friday night over Merrimack.

Along with Tyler’s performance, the Black Bears’ (20-10-2, 13-10-1 Hockey East) Ben Bishop earned his third career shutout with 24 saves and Michel Leveille notched his 50th career goal.

UMF 60, Husson 45

FARMINGTON – Senior Kari Simpson scored 14 of her game-high 22 points to help lead the top-ranked University of Maine at Farmington to a 60-45 victory over Husson to advance to the womens North Atlantic Conference finals.

Karen Sirois and Stephanie Bossie combined for 17 points for the Beavers (24-3).

Maine Maritime 53, Castleton St. 38

FARMINGTON – Julia Knights led all scorers with 17 points to lead Maine Maritime to a 53-38 triumph over Castleton State in women’s NAC semifinal action.

Alyssa Burns scored 10 of her 13 points in the first half as the Mariners (25-2) jumped out to a commanding 31-14 lead at the break.

USM 77, Eastern Connecticut 61

GORHAM – Senior forward Ashley Marble poured in a game-high 37 points and hauled down 22 rebounds to lead USM to a 77-61 victory over Eastern Connecticut to advance to the Little East Championship.

Marble netted 19 points in the first half as the Huskies built a 42-30 lead at the break.

Lindsey Welch chipped in with 11 points while dishing out four assists in the victory.

Men’s basketball
St. Joseph’s 83, Mitchell College 71

STANDISH – Marcus Alexander poured in a game-high 20 points and Elbie Murphy added 16 as St. Joseph’s downed Mitchell 83-71 in men’s Independent Northeast Region semifinal action.

Chad Pulkkinen dumped in 13 points while Raymond Eatmon added 12 in the victory. Alexander also grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.

TJ Smith led Mitchell (11-15) with 16 points.

The Monks (19-7) will face Lincoln on Saturday for the regional championship.