The University of Maine-Augusta and Southern Maine Community College men’s basketball teams had their hopes of a national title come to an end on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the USCAA Division II Tournament in Buffalo, New York.
The #7 seeded Moose would drop an 86-74 decision to #2 Cincinnati-Cleremont. Aviyon Matthews led UMA with 18 points, nine assists, three steals, and three blocked shots. Rocco Chang added 16 points and Khalif Betts contributed 15. UMA (20-14) will finish their season with a consolation contest against Kent State-Tuscarawas on Thursday at 1 p.m. The #3 Seawolves suffered a mild upset falling 57-53 to #6 Miami Hamilton. SMCC trailed the entire game, but pulled within 55-53 on a Sam Dewitt three-pointer with 13 seconds left. Hamilton iced it however when Aaron Davis Jr. hit two free throws with five seconds to go. Chance Mercier led the way in the defeat with 18 points (three 3-pointers), while Ellis Macea put in 11 points while grabbing seven rebounds. SMCC (23-7) will also finish up play in a consolation on Thursday afternoon against Penn State Mont Alto.
Photos courtesy of UMaine-Augusta and SMCC Athletics
