#1 UMBC Returns to the NCAA Tournament for the First Time Since 2018 After Surging Past #2 Vermont in the America East Playoff Championship Game

By: Ethan Hennessy

Catonsville Maryland

#1 UMBC and #2 Vermont met on Saturday morning at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Catonsville for the America East Playoffs Championship.

Vermont forward Noah Barnett injured his knee on the opening play of the game. UMBC looked out of sorts early as they started off missing their first four shots from the field. The Retrievers did not score a point that did not come from the free throw the line until the 14:38 mark. While Vermont did capitalize somewhat on the slow offensive start for the Retrievers they did not start off with their foot on the gas as they missed five shots to their four makes at the first media timeout. The nerves of the nationally televised conference tournament championship game seemed to be rattling both teams.

This was the first America East Playoff Championship game held at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena which opened in 2018. The mostly capacity crowd made their impact felt early. Vermont was shooting into the ruckus UMBC student section and the Catamounts went 2-6 from the free throw line early. TJ Long gave Vermont it’s first made three pointer to put them up 17-12, but then immediately gave up a open corner three by Cougar Downing in front of the Catamounts bench prompting Vermont coach John Becker to call a timeout. The rest of the first half remained tight. UMBC took a 30-28 lead into the break.

DJ Armstrong got the crowd going in the second half with a deep three-pointer. The Retrievers got the lead up to seven points at the first media timeout of the second half. The game continued at its slow physical pace. With 11:13 left in the game UMBC was up 44-37. TJ Long drained a thee pointer and a mini Vermont run trimmed the Retriever lead to one. Vermont took the lead briefly on an offensive rebound putback, but UMBC jumped right back in front. Vermont big man Gus Yalden picked up a key fourth foul around the five minute mark which forced him to sit on the bench. TJ Hurley and DJ Armstrong traded big threes and UMBC held a 57-54 advantage coming out of the final media timeout with 3:22 left on the clock. DJ Armstrong hit three pointers with 2:26 and 1:51 remaining to put UMBC up eight. The crowd at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena rose to their feet. UMBC closed out the win and hoisted the America East Championship trophy in front of their fans. After the game UMBC head coach Jim Ferry said “ This is one of if not the most enjoyable rides I’ve ever had”. Ferry also mentioned that he wanted to play Vermont in the championship game and said that he wanted this win so badly for his players. DJ Armstrong took home the America East Playoffs MVP. His 33 points was the most by a player in the championship game since 2016.

UMBC will find out their matchup for the NCAA Tournament tomorrow on Selection Sunday.