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
