VEZAIE, Maine (Interstat) — In a rugged, defensive struggle defined by trips to the free throw line and a standout performance from its star, the Maine women’s basketball team avenged an earlier loss by grinding out a 64-56 victory over Bryant on Saturday at Cross Insurance Center.

The most important part of the game was Maine’s decisive fourth-quarter push and its ability to capitalize on Bryant’s mistakes. After trailing by as many as eight points in the first quarter, the Black Bears methodically chipped away, taking their first lead late in the third quarter and never relinquishing it. The final period saw Maine outscore Bryant 19-16, with the Black Bears converting 11 of 14 free throws in the quarter to seal the win. Bryant’s offense, which sputtered after a hot start, could not find enough answers down the stretch.

Adrianna Smith, the reigning America East Player of the Year, powered Maine with a game-high 29 points and 11 rebounds. The 5-foot-10 junior from Reston, Virginia, was relentless, drawing fouls and getting to the line 14 times, making 11. She added two blocks and a steal in 35 minutes, continuing a dominant stretch of play that has seen her average a double-double in recent games.

The Black Bears improved to 13-11 overall, while Bryant fell to 16-8. A crowd of 1,197 watched the contest.

The game turned on efficiency and opportunity. While both teams struggled from the field — Maine shot 33.9% and Bryant 37.7% — and from three-point range, where they combined to make just 5 of 32 attempts, the disparity at the free throw line was staggering. Maine attempted 31 free throws, making 24, while Bryant went just 7 for 13. The Black Bears also converted Bryant’s 15 turnovers into 15 points, while the Bulldogs managed only seven points off nine Maine turnovers.

Bryant started the game with clear intent, racing to a 23-15 lead after the first quarter behind efficient interior play. The Bulldogs scored 32 points in the paint for the game. But their offense collapsed in the second quarter, managing only eight points as Maine’s defense tightened. The Black Bears took a 31-29 lead into halftime and extended it to 45-38 by the end of the third.

Mia Mancini led Bryant with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Nia Scott added nine points and eight rebounds. For Maine, Sarah Talon of Windham contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Asta Blauenfeldt of Denmark played all 40 minutes, scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing three assists.

The victory split the season series after Bryant won the first meeting 82-73 on Jan. 3. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Maine entered the game with a 70.5% probability to win.

Maine next travels to face Maryland-Baltimore County on Thursday. Bryant returns home to host Vermont next Saturday.