The Maine Maniacs 12-U girls basketball team saw their AAU national tournament hopes come to a close with a tough 39-34 to the Southeast Tennessee Lady Lightning in Clarksville, Tenn.

The Maniacs, who had previously won their three pool play games and advanced to the medal round, then lost a 4-point game to open the championship bracket but still had hopes of winning the consolation portion of the medal round.

After scoring seven early points, the Maniacs then struggled for the rest of the game from the field, ending up 7-for-41.

Despite their shooting woes and being down by 10 points with three minutes remaining in the game, Maine cut the deficit to two with 30 seconds to go. A 3-pointer from the top of the key by Wilton’s Caitlin Kane and a runner by Fairfield’s Nia Irving, followed by another 3-pointer from Ashley Howe of Saco, cut into the Tennessee lead quickly.

Maine then forced what appeared to be a shot clock violation on the Lightning as a 3-pointer went through the net after the buzzer. After a lengthy discussion by the officials , it was determined that the shot would count. Maine’s comeback fizzled at that point.

Irving finished with seven pts and recorded a game high 15 rebounds for the Maniacs, who went 3-2 in the tourney.

Howe had nine points anmd four rebounds, while Kane had nine points, seven boards and three steals. Emily Jacques of Auburn tallied six rebounds for the Maniacs.