FARMINGTON, Maine – The Spartans and Beavers were tied at 49 apiece midway through the second half but Castleton pulled away and made its free throws late to secure a 67-57 victory on Friday night at the University of Maine at Farmington. 

The Spartans shot just 34.8 percent from the floor but went 13-for-16 from the charity stripe and forced 25 turnovers on 14 steals to improve to 13-3 overall and 9-0 in the North Atlantic Conference. UMF outrebounded Castleton 44-43 and shot 37.3 percent from the floor but couldn't pull of the upset in dropping to 6-10 and 5-4 in the conference. 

Jade Desroches was sensational, scoring 21 first-half points and finishing with a season-high 30, to go with eight rebounds, seven steals and four assists. Lindsay Sabo was the only other Castleton player in double figures, scoring 14 points with four rebounds and two steals. Amanda Beatty added nine points and three rebounds off the bench. 

Three players scored in double figures for the Beavers, led by Elizabeth Ferry with 11 points and six rebounds and Kennadi Grover with 11 points. Lindsay Ranquist added ten points and four rebounds but turned the ball over six times. 

The Beavers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first two minutes but Castleton responded with a 10-0 run. The Spartans then stretched their lead to 12, 21-9, on a three from Desroches at 9:56. However, UNF closed the gap and scored the final six points of the half to trail just 35-32 at the break. 

Castleton couldn't get separation early in the second half and a Beaver 6-0 run with 12:21 left tied the game 49-49. Meghan O'Sullivan responded a jumper ten seconds later as part of an 8-0 spurt. UMF pulled with six at 59-53 at 6:04 and then Ranquist hit a basket with 1:26 left to cut the deficit to 61-55. However, Desroches went 6-for-6 from the free throw line in the final minute to put the game away and the defense was stout as well. 

The Spartans return to action on Saturday when they face Thomas at 1 pm.