UMBC Holds Off Vermont for First America East Championship Since 2018 UMBC’s men’s basketball team secured its first America East Championship since 2018 with a decisive 74-59 victory over Vermont. The Retrievers, led by standout performer D.J. Armstrong Jr., overcame a resilient Vermont squad to claim the title in a tightly contested game. The win marked a significant milestone for UMBC, which had not won the conference tournament since its historic upset of a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in 2018. The game was a battle of wills, with Vermont initially holding a lead but ultimately faltering under UMBC’s relentless pressure. Armstrong, who finished with 33 points and 17 rebounds, was instrumental in the Retrievers’ late-game surge. His clutch shooting, including a pivotal four-point play after a three-pointer while being fouled, shifted the momentum in UMBC’s favor. The crowd at the Kai Arena, which saw a record crowd of over 4,700, erupted as the Retrievers closed the game on a 13-3 run. Vermont, a five-time tournament champion, struggled to find its rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc. The Catamounts shot just 5-27 from three-point range and 4-10 from the free throw line, failing to capitalize on key opportunities. Vermont’s leading scorer, T.J. Hurley, was held in check with 11 points, shooting 1-8 from three-point range. UMBC, in contrast, thrived from long range, hitting 10 three-pointers and converting 22-26 free throws. The victory solidified UMBC’s position as the top team in the America East during the regular season. The Retrievers are now set to make their third NCAA tournament appearance, with hopes of securing a higher seed than in 2018. Their historic 2018 upset of a No.#america_east #umbc #dj_armstrong_jr #vermont #kai_arena
UMBC Secures America East Title, Earns NCAA Tournament Bid DJ Armstrong Jr. poured in 33 points, including seven 3-pointers, to lead the Retrievers to a 74-59 victory over Vermont in the America East championship game. The win secured UMBC’s first NCAA tournament berth since 2018 and marked their third appearance in the postseason. The Retrievers, ranked No. 1 in the tournament, will compete for the first time since their historic upset of No. 1 seed Virginia in 2018. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projected UMBC as a No. 16 seed in his latest bracket, giving the team another chance to face a top-tier opponent. Armstrong’s performance was pivotal, as he hit three 3-pointers, including a four-point play, to give UMBC a 64-56 lead with under two minutes remaining. The Retrievers closed the game by making 10 of 10 free throws, with Armstrong and Josh Odunowo combining for the final 10 points. Armstrong shot 9 of 11 from the field and 8 of 9 from the free-throw line, while Ace Valentine added 13 points and made all seven of his free throws. UMBC’s 22-of-26 free-throw accuracy contrasted with Vermont’s 4-of-10 performance. TJ Long led Vermont with 17 points, but the Catamounts struggled from the line, limiting their ability to close the gap. Long’s 3-pointer early in the second half gave Vermont a 17-12 lead, but Armstrong’s three-point play sparked a 12-2 run to give UMBC a 30-28 halftime advantage. Vermont managed a 51-48 lead in the second half but couldn’t sustain the momentum. UMBC’s dominance at home this season, with a 15-2 record, and their undefeated home slate against America East opponents underscored their strength. The victory not only secured the America East title but also positioned UMBC for a potential NCAA run, with Armstrong’s heroics setting the stage for a historic chapter in the program’s history.#ncaa_tournament #joe_lunardi #america_east #umbc #dj_armstrong_jr
UMBC men's basketball team faces delays as weather disrupts travel plans The UMBC men's basketball team remains stranded at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport due to severe weather delays, preventing them from departing for their NCAA Tournament game in Dayton, Ohio. The Retrievers, who are making their first tournament appearance since defeating top-seeded Virginia in 2018, were scheduled to board a 12 p.m. flight but have yet to depart three hours later. The delay has forced the team to miss their planned 4 p.m. media availability to preview their First Four matchup against Howard, which is set for 6:40 p.m. tomorrow night. Despite the logistical challenges, the Retrievers have secured their spot in the tournament as a 16-seed, following their America East regular season and conference tournament championships. The team will compete in the First Four play-in game in Dayton, where the winner will face 1-seed Michigan in the Midwest Region. Howard, the opponent in tomorrow’s game, has already arrived in Dayton, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest. The flight delay stems from a ground stop at BWI-Marshall Airport, which was implemented due to severe weather conditions earlier in the day. While the ground stop was lifted in the afternoon, the team’s departure was still delayed, complicating their schedule. The NCAA Tournament game against Howard marks a significant milestone for UMBC, as the Retrievers aim to build on their historic 2018 upset of Virginia. The team’s situation highlights the unpredictable nature of tournament travel, particularly during adverse weather conditions. While the Retrievers have managed to land safely in Dayton shortly before 6 p.m., the delay underscores the challenges teams face in balancing preparation and logistics during high-profile events.#ncaa_tournament #umbc #dayton_ohio #america_east
