BOSTON, Mass. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team was unable to overcome a large first-half deficit as it fell at UMass Boston on Wednesday evening, 83-54.

The contest started close before the Beacons pulled away at 3:54 in the first quarter, going on an 11-point run to go up 24-12. Maggie McKearin slowed their momentum with 26 seconds remaining in the quarter, sinking a bucket beyond the arc off a feed from Luna Perry-St. Peter, bringing the Spartans within 10 after ten minutes (24-14).

In the second quarter, the Beacons extended their advantage to 28 points as they outscored the Spartans 29-11 to lead 53-25 at the half.

The second half began with both teams trading baskets, with Adams scoring all three of Castleton's field goals, making it 57-31 with 7:56 remaining in the third. The visitors attempted to limit the deficit, but UMass Boston outscored the Spartans 16-11 to lead 73-42 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw fewer points, with the Spartans edging the Beacons 12-10, but UMass Boston secured the 83-54 victory.

Adams led her squad with a team-best 22 points, going 7-of-21 from the field while adding nine rebounds, two steals, and one block. She was a force at the free-throw line, going 8-for-12. Stasia Epler contributed 10 points, knocking down two three-pointers, while McKearin added seven points and four rebounds.

The Spartans showed fight on the defensive end, tallying eight steals and five blocks, including two from Arianna Coombs. They also forced 15 turnovers.

Castleton will close out the season at home on Saturday afternoon when it plays host to Southern Maine in a 12 p.m. LEC matchup.