America East Basketball News & Notes: Postseason Takes Shape

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With only three weekends remaining in the America East regular season, the postseason picture is coming into sharp focus. Last weekend proved pivotal as three of the conference’s top four spots were officially clinched. UMBC, Vermont, and NJIT have all secured home-court advantage for the quarterfinal round of the Air Force Reserve America East Playoffs. Meanwhile, the UMass Lowell River Hawks sit on the cusp of joining them as the race for the final seeds intensifies at the bottom of the standings.

UMBC Retrievers (11–2): Chasing the Crown

The Retrievers are the hottest team in the league, extending their winning streak to six games—their longest since 2023. After a dominant week that saw them take down Vermont (75–62) and grind out a win against UAlbany (66–62), UMBC enters the final stretch with a two-game lead in the standings.

What’s Next: UMBC hosts Bryant this Thursday night. A victory would secure them at least a share of their first regular-season title since 2021.

Vermont Catamounts (10–4): The Standard of Consistency

For a staggering 20th consecutive season, Vermont has earned a home game for the playoff quarterfinals. The Catamounts split their week, falling to UMBC before bouncing back with a gritty 70–64 road win at NJIT.

The Rivalry: This Thursday, Vermont hosts UMass Lowell at Patrick Gym—a venue that has historically been unkind to the River Hawks. Vermont holds a 23–4 all-time record against Lowell, including two victories in AE Championship games.

NJIT Highlanders (10–4): Making History

Despite a winless week, NJIT made history by securing their first-ever top-four seed since joining the America East in 2021. Their 10 conference wins are the most in program history.

The Standings: The Highlanders hold a one-game lead over UMass Lowell for third place. Crucially, NJIT owns the tiebreaker, having swept the season series against the River Hawks.

UMass Lowell (8–5): The Surge of Montas Jr.

Head coach Pat Duquette’s squad is “playing their best basketball,” currently riding a four-game winning streak. The River Hawks are averaging 86.8 points during this stretch, fueled by the reigning AE Player of the Week, Angel Montas Jr.

Montas Jr.’s Week: Averaged 27.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, including a 30-point explosion against Binghamton, where he shot an incredible 12-of-15 from the floor.
The Goal: A win at Vermont on Thursday would clinch a home quarterfinal for the River Hawks.

The Battle for the Bottom

While the top of the bracket is settling, the fight for the final playoff spots is a scramble:

Bryant & UNH (4–9): Both teams are reeling from three-game and six-game losing streaks, respectively. They currently sit just one game behind Maine (5–8) for the 6th seed.
Binghamton (2–12): It is “make-or-break” time for the Bearcats. They must defeat UNH at home on Thursday to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Rookie Watch: Despite Bryant’s struggles, guard Ty Tabales earned his fourth AE Rookie of the Week honor after a 21-point, three-steal performance.