PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Thomas men's basketball season came to an end in the first round of the North Atlantic Conference playoffs as they fell to University of Maine at Presque Isle by a score of 80-69. 

The Terriers got out to a fast start against the Owls, scoring the first eight points of the game. UMPI did not panic, as they have come from behind to win in their last three games. Griffin Guerrette hit a three pointer for the Owls, which sparked the offense. It was the first of an impressive seven made from beyond the arc, as they shot just under 60% for the half. 

Thomas got up by as many as 11 in the first half but UMPI came storming back. The Owls would outscore the Terriers 28-12 in the last ten minutes of the half, taking a 45-32 lead into the locker room.  First year Sawyer Deprey had one of the best halves of his young career for Thomas, scoring 16 points and adding five boards and three assists. 

UMPI never trailed in the second half, leading by as many as 13 points. Thomas was able to make it interesting in the last ten minutes of the game. Just under the halfway point in the second half, Matthew Hadnot and Darby Shea hit a pair of threes to cut the lead down to five. Two minutes later senior Demetris Webster hit one from downtown to cut the Owls lead to 67-64. 

UMPI called a timeout and was able to settle down, going on an 8-0 run out of the time out, to extend their lead back to ten points. The Owls were able to hold on for the 80-69 win, ending the Terriers season. They will advance to play the University of Maine at Farmington in the quarterfinals on Friday. Deprey had 19 points in the loss for the Terriers while Webster had 15 points.

Game Notes: 

• Webster ends his college career at Thomas with 1,016 points 

• Webster only missed four times at the free throw line this season in 55 attempts. 

• The Owls  have beaten the Terriers four times in a row, their longest win streak in the series since the early 2000's. 

• In the other NAC East quarterfinal, Husson will take on NVU-Lyndon. The Hornets beat Maine Maritime Academy in the first round of the playoffs.