The University of Maine men’s basketball team lost grip of a much-needed win over rival University of New Hampshire on Thursday night, falling 79-74 at the Cross Center in Bangor.
The 224th Border Battle led to UMaine’s fifth consecutive loss after starting the season 8-4 — its best start since 2002-03 — and its second consecutive loss to begin conference play. UMaine’s all-time record against rival UNH is now 123-81.
Leading 43-42 with 13:45 remaining in the second half, the Black Bears appeared to break the game open with a lightning-quick 12-2 run, but the Wildcats retaliated with a 15-3 run of their own five minutes later to take a 66-64 lead.
Flash forward to the final minute of play, UMaine’s offense wasn’t able to keep pace with UNH’s free throw shooting, ultimately leading to a failed Kellen Tynes 3-point attempt to tie it with two seconds to go.