Maine Defeats Vermont, Reaches America East Conference Final

The University of Maine men's basketball team, led by graduate guard Kellen Tynes, is set to play in their first America East Conference Championship since 2004 after defeating Vermont 57-42 in the semifinals. This victory ended Vermont's ten-game winning streak and secured Maine a spot against top-seeded Bryant in the upcoming championship. The Black Bears, driven by a strong defensive performance, held Vermont to just 26% shooting, showcasing their growth and determination this season. Despite previous losses to Bryant, Maine remains confident in their ability to compete at a high level by focusing on game details and physicality. Maine's success marks a significant turnaround for the team, which had struggled with fan attendance in previous years due to performance issues. A win in the championship would secure Maine's first-ever trip to the NCAA men's basketball tournament.