Despite playing a very strong first half and extending a halftime lead into the early moments of the second half Saturday afternoon, the Maine men’s basketball team dropped a tough 61-52 America East opener to the UMBC Retrievers at the UMBC Events Center in Catonsville, Maryland.
Maine led from the start and after a Sergio El Darwich hoop went up 24-14 with 3:42 left in the first half. UMBC guard Joe Sherburne knocked down a three pointer moments later making it 24-17, but the Bears went on a 7-2 run ending the first 20 minutes in the best half they had played all season and led 31-19 at halftime.
In the early going of the second half Maine (2-14, 0-1 America East) took their largest lead of 13 twice, both on layups by Andrew Fleming. UMBC however went on a 22-6 run over the next 7:09, and took their first lead of the day with 10:20 remaining on a three pointer from Brandon Horvath. An unconventional three point play by Fleming tied it 46-46, and a pair of free throws from Fleming gave the Bears their final lead of the game 48-46. Horvath nailed another three on the next possession to give the Retrievers back the lead, and spark a 15-4 run and a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish over the final 8:31. UMBC is now 9-7, 1-0.
Fleming led the way for Maine with 18 points and 10 rebounds. El Darwich finished with 12, while Isaiah White added 11 points and seven rebounds. Horvath led UMBC with 13 points. Daniel Akin had 12 points and eight rebounds, and Sherburne added 10. Maine returns home to host Vermont Wednesday night in the home conference opener.
