America East Basketball News & Notes: A Three-Way Deadlock at the Top

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We thought this was going to be a tight race all season long, and the first half did not disappoint. As the America East Conference prepares to begin the second half of the league schedule on Thursday night, the standings are in a dead heat. UMBC, NJIT, and Vermont are all tied at 6–2 for the top spot, with UNH and UMass Lowell (both 4–4) lurking just behind. With eight games remaining, the scramble is on not only for the regular-season title but for crucial home-court advantage in the postseason tournament.

Highlanders on the Rise

NJIT (11–12, 6–2) had a massive week, securing road wins over UAlbany (77–68) and Vermont (79–77). The Highlanders swept the weekly honors, led by America East Player of the Week Sebastian Robinson. Robinson averaged 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, including a 22-point masterpiece at Patrick Gym.

He was supported by Rookie of the Week David Bolden, who was sensational in the win over Vermont, recording 16 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals with just a single turnover. NJIT has now won four of their last five games and enters the second half with as much momentum as anyone in the league.

Retrievers and Catamounts Hold Firm

UMBC (13–8, 6–2) began their week with a tough 64–55 loss at Vermont, where they shot a frigid 32.7% from the floor. However, they bounced back on Saturday with a gritty 68–65 road win at UAlbany. Ace Valentine (15 points) and Caden Diggs (14 points) provided the scoring punch needed to overcome a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double from the Great Danes’ Okechukwu Okeke.

Vermont (14–9, 6–2), meanwhile, saw their defense falter in the loss to NJIT after their clinical win over UMBC. TJ Hurley led the way for the Catamounts during the week, including an 18-point performance against the Retrievers. While Vermont’s offense exploded for 50 second-half points against NJIT, allowing 47 in that same span proved to be their undoing.

The Chase Pack: UNH and Lowell

The UNH Wildcats (8–13, 4–4) saw their four-game winning streak snapped this weekend. After stifling UMass Lowell 66–61 on Thursday, they fell in a 92–84 shootout to Bryant on Saturday despite 22 points from Jack Graham. Bryant’s efficiency at the free-throw line (32-of-37) was the difference-maker.

UMass Lowell (9–14, 4–4) recovered from the UNH loss by playing “bully ball” in a 91–77 win over Maine. The River Hawks dominated the interior, outscoring the Black Bears 60–48 in the paint and recording a staggering 45–11 rebounding advantage. Angel Montas Jr. was the star of the afternoon, dropping a career-high 30 points to snap Lowell’s four-game slide.

Thursday Night Schedule

Matchup	Location	Time (ET)
UMass Lowell at NJIT	Newark, NJ	7:00 PM
Vermont at Maine	Orono, ME	6:00 PM
UAlbany at Bryant	Smithfield, RI	6:00 PM
Binghamton at UMBC	Catonsville, MD	6:00 PM