LEWISTON — The Lewiston-Auburn Maples aim to avenge their first-ever loss when they host the Mt. Vernon Shamrocks on Sunday.

In the Women’s American Basketball Association teams’ first regular season matchup, last Saturday on the Shamrocks’ home floor in New York, Mt. Vernon edged the first-year club 84-82.

Sunday’s rematch tips off at the Lewiston Armory at 2 p.m.

The Maples (1-1) were led in the first meeting by Kaitlyn Mathieu and newcomer Allexia Barros, who poured in 19 and 18 points, respectively. Allie Goodman scored 12 points, while Jessica Conant chipped in 11 points. 

Lewiston-Auburn led by 14 points at halftime, 46-32, but the Shamr0cks stormed back in the second half to earn the victory.

“We were up 14 at the half, and then things went south in the third quarter, for a variety of reasons,” Maples coach Jim Seavey said. “They’re a lot more aggressive offensively and defensively and on the offensive boards, and really took control of the game in the rebounding category, and that was the biggest difference in the second half. They took advantage of their size.”

Maples owner/chairman Joshua Brister attributes the Shamrocks’ rally to their physical play.

“They’re way more physical than we are,” Brister said. “They play a certain brand of basketball down in the boroughs of New York.” 

According to Seavey, however, the game was refereed differently in the second half, which had an impact on the outcome. 

“They physically beat us up. It was a tale of two halves,” Seavey said. “In the first half, our athleticism beat them up and down the court, and in the second half they just manhandled us. Within the rules? Some of it. Outside of the rules? Some of it.” 

Seavey adamantly admitted, though, that “the officials didn’t cost us the game,” and he that the responsibility falls on his team. 

“We were up by 14, but we could have been up by 30 if we finished in the paint or hit shots. We have to be better finishing through contact rather than shying away from it,” Seavey said. 

Seavey and Barros, a point guard who joined the team soon after its first game, said the Maples also need to limit the Shamrocks’ free-throws.

“They outscored us by double digits at the foul line,” Seavey said. “A quarter of their points were at the foul line.” 

“We just have to get better at communicating on defense,” Barros said. “Taking care of the ball, having less fouls, playing smarter.” 

THE BRIGHT SPOTS 

One aspect that the Maples hope to capitalize in Sunday’s game is their ball movement, which has become a cornerstone of their offense this year.

“I thought we moved the ball really well,” Seavey said. “We shared the ball well, got a lot of good looks, but unfortunately, we didn’t shoot the ball at a high rate. Things just weren’t falling for us.” 

That could all change Sunday, though, when Grace Fontaine returns from a broken wrist to play her first regular-season game for the Maples. 

“Grace is back, she’s been cleared,” Seavey said. “That’ll be a nice addition, that gives us a little more depth.”

“I didn’t get to play with Grace much, but she’s a shooter, so I’m ready for it,” Barros said. 

And, according to Brister, shooting isn’t the only thing that Fontaine brings. The Edward Little High School graduate, along Julie McCabe, who missed last Saturday’s game, should boost the Maples’ toughness on Sunday. 

“Julie McCabe doesn’t shy away from (physicality). Grace also has a chippyness and aggressiveness to her,” Brister said. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUNDAY 

Sunday’s pregame events begin at noon with summer league game between the Edward Little and Westbrook high school girls basketball teams. 

Staples Connect will also be at the Armory to provide poster-making materials for the community during the pregame. 

Also, the first 200 fans to enter the Armory on Sunday will receive Thunderstix, allowing them to make more noise as they cheer.

The Maples are hoping the fan support will give them an edge in a game that is important for their WABA playoff chances.

“(This game is) kind of our season from a standpoint of trying to solidify a playoff spot and trying to get to the final four,” Brister said. “Because (if they beat us), then they would’ve beaten us twice.” 

“I think playing at home will help, too, with all the fans,” Barros added. “I’m psyched for this game. I’m ready for it. We’re coming back for revenge.” 

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Late baskets lift Lewiston-Auburn Maples over Mount Vernon Shamrocks, 74-71