The Maine Black Bears and Binghamton Bearcats lineup for the national anthem prior to their America East showdown at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor Saturday afternoon. Photo by Chris Lessner.
BANGOR- The University of Maine Black Bears women’s basketball team claimed at least a share of the regular season America East title Saturday by rolling to a 69-37 victory over Binghamton before a season high crowd of 3,467 fans at the Cross Insurance Center.
Maine, who honored their eight seniors prior to the game, got off to a sluggish start. Maine shot just 2 for 16 in the first quarter and the game was tied at nine a piece after the opening 10 minutes of action.
Maine turned up the defense pressure in the second quarter holding the visiting Bearcats to a 1 for 15 effort from the floor and 5 for 28 shooting overall in the first half and the Bears outscored Binghamton 18-5 in the second to take a 27-14 halftime lead.
The Bearcats got back within eight in the third quarter but a 9-0 Maine run pushed the Bears lead to 17 and Maine would never lead by less than double digits the rest of the way as they scored 13 in the third and 29 in the fourth quarter.
Maine dominated the paint out rebounding the visitors 48-29 and also scoring 22 points off of 16 Bearcat turnovers. Binghamton only shot 26 percent from the floor for the game (14-55) and was held to their lowest offensive output of the year. Maine outscored Binghamton 42-23 in the second half with a sizzling 57 percent effort from the floor including 6 for 10 from behind the three point arc in the final 20 minutes to claim their 12th win in a row overall and their 19th straight at home. Maine would end up shooting 41 percent for the game (25-60).
Binghamton, who finished their regular season at 13-16 overall and 8-8 in America East, they were led Alyssa James who had 18 points and five rebounds while Kim Albrecht added 11 points.
Maine, who finishes as at least co-champion for the second straight year in America East, finishes their regular season at 24-7 overall and 15-1 in America East. The 24 wins are also the most since Maine went 25-7 back in 2003-2004. Sigi Koizar led the way with 19 points, six rebounds, 4 assists and three steals. Bella Swan recorded her first double double of her career with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Mikaela Gustaffson added 10 points and Liz Wood also contributed nine points and eight rebounds.
Maine will have to wait and see who they play and what time after all the regular season action in America East ends on Sunday. The conference tournament begins Saturday March 5th with the quarterfinal rounds in Binghamton, New York. Stay tuned to Eastern Maine Sports as we will keep you posted on the Black Bears postseason information.
Bing 9 5 10 13- 37
UME 9 18 13 29- 69
3 pt goals: Bing- 1-13 Maine 7-20
Free throws: Bing 8-9 Maine 12-12
