Vermont holds off late rally to beat UMaine men’s basketball team

The University of Maine men’s basketball team came up just short in their comeback effort at Vermont on Saturday afternoon, losing to the Catamounts 55-49.

UMaine grabbed its only lead of the afternoon with 8:04 left in the first half on an AJ Lopez 3-pointer following a strong defensive start from both sides in the opening 10 minutes. But Vermont quickly jumped back in front, holding a 5-point lead at the half.

The defensive battle continued as UMaine slowly chipped away at the Catamount lead. The Black Bears tied the contest at 49 with 54 seconds remaining on a layup by senior guard Quion Burns as the score stood at 49-49.

But on the next possession, Vermont guard Shamir Bogues hit a 3-pointer with 33 seconds left to effectively put the game away for the Catamounts, who snapped the Black Bears’ six-game win streak in a marquee America East Conference matchup.

Vermont guard TJ Hurley led all scorers with 15 points, while Bogues had 12. Senior forward Christopher Mantis led UMaine with 12 points. Burns had 11 points and 9 rebounds, while 6-foot-10 junior forward Killian Gribben had 8 points and 4 blocks in 23 minutes off the bench.

UMaine, which has a 14-9 record and is second in America East play at 6-2, returns to Orono for their next three games as they begin the homestand on Thursday, Feb. 6 against NJIT. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.