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The University of Maine women’s basketball team is heading back to the conference championship game after Monday night’s dramatic win at home against Binghamton.
The No. 2 Black Bears defeated the No. 3 Bearcats 60-56 in front of a raucous crowd in Orono to advance to the America East tournament final, where UMaine will have a chance to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
UMaine last went to the national tournament in 2024 and lost to Ohio State in the opening round.
If they want to get to the big dance again, they will need to beat Monday night’s winner of the other semifinal game between Vermont and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.
Black Bears redshirt senior forward Adrianna Smith once again led the way for UMaine with yet another double-double, her 10th straight game with at least 10 points and either 10 rebounds or 10 assists. She scored 26 points Monday night to go with 12 rebounds.
Senior guard Sarah Talon added 17 points for the Black Bears.
Binghamton guard Bella Pucci led the way for the Bearcats with 24 points.
