UMBC and Vermont Renew Their Rivalry in a Late-Season America East Clash

By: Ethan Hennessy

Catonsville Maryland

Thursday night’s game between UMBC and Vermont featured two of the best teams in the America East, not only this season, but over the past decade. Either Vermont or UMBC have played for the America East title in seven of the past nine seasons including three years when they have faced each other. This year they could be well on their way to another playoff clash as they currently sit second (UMBC) and third (Vermont) behind NJIT in the conference standings. This is an important weekend for Vermont as they face both teams narrowly ahead of them. UMBC forced a quick tempo early on and jumped out to a 19-7 advantage before Vermont’s John Becker called a timeout.

Vermont got within five points on a Gus Yalden three pointer with 7:20 to go in the first half, but UMBC quickly extended their lead back out to double digits. The Retrievers led 38-26 at halftime. Jah’Likai King led the way with 16 points. UMBC shot an impressive 70% from three in the first half.

Both offenses slowed down in the second half. Just like in the first half, Vermont mounted a comeback slowly chipping away at the lead and getting it down to six via three pointers and free throws. Ace Valentine connected on a three-pointer to put UMBC back up nine with a little over five minutes to play. The crowd at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena roared to life. The Catamounts did not go away quietly, still playing aggressive defense that caused steals in the final minutes. Gus Yalden banked in a deep three-pointer with 61 seconds in the game to get the score within nine. Vermont set up a press out of the timeout and initiated the fouling strategy to extend the game. It proved to be too little too late, and UMBC prevailed 75-62. The crowd came to their feet in the final seconds to congratulate the team on their first home victory over Vermont in five years to the day.  

Vermont had a combined 38 points and 30 rebounds from TJ Long and Gus Yalden while for the Retrievers Jah’Likai King connected on five three pointers and 24 total points and Jose Tanchyn pulled down 13 rebounds to go along with seven points.

The Catamounts will continue their roadtrip when they face the Highlanders of NJIT in Newark on Saturday night. UMBC continues its home stand when they welcome Albany to town Saturday afternoon.