CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — The UMBC Retrievers defeated the Maine Black Bears 69-62 in an America East Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Retriever Activities Center. UMBC led 32-20 at halftime before Maine mounted a second-half charge. The Retrievers sealed the win by making 17 of 23 free throws, outperforming Maine’s 6-for-11 shooting from the line. TJ Biel led all scorers with 27 points for Maine. Ace Valentine paced UMBC with 14 points. UMBC improved to 8-6 overall. Maine fell to 2-14.

CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — In a game defined by rugged defense and missed opportunities, the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers grinded out a 69-62 victory over the Maine Black Bears in an America East Conference men’s basketball matchup Thursday night at the Retriever Activities Center. The Retrievers improved to 8-6 overall, while the Black Bears fell to 2-14, extending a difficult season despite a valiant second-half effort. The most important part of the game was Maryland-Baltimore County’s ability to control the contest from the free-throw line and capitalize on Maine’s offensive inefficiency. While the Black Bears dominated scoring in the paint, 44-36, and shot a slightly better percentage from the field, their inability to connect from deep or convert at the charity stripe proved decisive. Maine made just 4 of 18 three-point attempts and a costly 6 of 11 free throws. Conversely, the Retrievers, though attempting fewer field goals, were relentless in attacking the basket, earning 23 free-throw attempts and converting 17 of them. This 11-point advantage at the line was the ultimate margin in a seven-point game. The first half set the tone for a defensive struggle. Maryland-Baltimore County built a 32-20 lead by halftime, fueled by a 12-2 run late in the period. Maine’s offense was stagnant, committing nine first-half turnovers and shooting just 4 of 18 from three-point range for the game. The Retrievers, led by Ace Valentine’s aggressive drives and Jah’Likai King’s timely shooting, managed to create separation despite their own offensive inconsistencies. Maine emerged from the locker room with renewed energy, spearheaded by a spectacular performance from junior forward TJ Biel. The 6-foot-9 native of Calgary, Canada, took over the game, scoring 25 of his game-high 27 points in the second half. Biel was a force inside, adding three blocked shots and nine defensive rebounds. His personal 7-0 run midway through the half brought the Black Bears roaring back, cutting a 15-point deficit down to a single possession at 43-40 with just over 14 minutes remaining. Each time Maine threatened, however, the Retrievers had an answer. Valentine, a sophomore guard from Columbia, Maryland, consistently broke down the defense, finishing with 14 points and three assists. Forward Caden Diggs of Waldorf, Maryland, provided crucial secondary scoring with 13 points, including two key baskets in the final three minutes after Maine had closed to within 61-59. Riley Jacobs added 10 points and nine rebounds, dominating the glass with six offensive boards. Maine’s comeback attempt was hampered by its perimeter shooting and ball movement. The Black Bears managed only four assists on 26 made field goals. Ryan Mabrey contributed 10 points for Maine, and Logan Carey added eight points and two assists, but the offensive burden fell overwhelmingly on Biel. The Retrievers sealed the game in the final minute from the free-throw line. With Maine forced to foul, Valentine and King combined to hit three of four attempts in the closing seconds, insulating the lead after a last-gasp three-pointer from Mabrey had brought Maine to within 68-62. Maryland-Baltimore County’s defense was key, holding Maine to an offensive rating of 92.2 on 67 possessions. The Retrievers also won the turnover battle, committing eight to Maine’s nine, and turned those into a 6-2 edge in points off turnovers. Attendance at the Retriever Activities Center was 1,125. Both teams return to conference play Saturday, with Maine traveling to face NJIT and Maryland-Baltimore County hosting New Hampshire.

Preview: Struggling Maine Visits UMBC in America East Opener CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — The America East Conference men’s basketball schedule opens Thursday with a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions, as the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers host the Maine Black Bears. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST at the Retriever Activities Center. UMBC (7-6) enters conference play above .500, buoyed by a dominant 93-59 road victory at Coppin State on Dec. 29. The Retrievers’ offense runs through guard DJ Armstrong, who erupted for 31 points in that win. Armstrong averages 18.0 points per game over his last three contests, providing a consistent scoring threat for a UMBC squad that has won three of its last five. Maine (2-13) seeks to halt a prolonged slump, having lost 11 of its last 12 games. The Black Bears are coming off a 56-51 home loss to Bryant on Saturday, a game in which they managed just five second-half field goals. Defense has been a persistent issue; Maine allows an average of 73.5 points per game and has conceded 70 or more points in eight of its losses. The key matchup will feature Maine’s top performer, forward TJ Biel, against UMBC’s balanced attack. Biel is coming off a strong 20-point, 7-rebound effort against Bryant and has been the Black Bears’ most reliable player. He will need significant support to counter a Retrievers’ team that has shown high-scoring potential, including a 102-point outing against Notre Dame in November. For UMBC, maintaining its offensive efficiency while exploiting Maine’s defensive vulnerabilities will be the focus. Guard Ace Valentine, who dished out eight assists against Coppin State, complements Armstrong in the backcourt. Historically, the Retrievers have controlled the series, winning the last six meetings. Maine’s last victory over UMBC came in February 2020. The Black Bears continue their road trip Saturday at NJIT. UMBC remains at home Saturday to face New Hampshire.