BOSTON - The 2012 America East television schedule kicks off on Saturday with a rematch of last year's epic America East men's basketball title game. Stony Brook and Boston U. will renew acquaintances at Case Gym and square off at 12 noon on ESPN3. WATCH LIVE
The Seawolves (9-6, 4-0 AE), who own a six-game win streak, are the conference's lone remaining unbeaten in America East play. A program known for its lock down defense, Stony Brook has lived up to its reputation and leads the league in scoring defense, holding foes to 61.8 points per game and just 41.9 percent shooting. The Seawolves, who have beaten teams by an average of 15.5 points during their win streak, has gelled on the offense end of late as well and ranks third in the league scoring 69.1 points per game.
The Terriers (6-11, 2-1 AE) has bounced back from a seven-game losing streak by posting back-to-back wins over Binghamton and Maine. Boston U. owns 17-6 all-time edge in the series and has won four straight against Stony Brook, including a 56-54 win to capture the league crown last March. Boston U. is formidable on its home court, especially against familiar foes, having won 12 straight games against America East opponents at home and has not dropped a league contest since at Case Gym or Agganis Arena since Feb. 9, 2010 to Vermont.
Adding to the intrigue, the matchup features several of the league's top stars. Boston U.'s Darryl Partin, a first-team all-league performer last year, ranks 14th in the country in scoring (20.2 ppg) while D.J. Irving leads the conference in assists (5.4 apg) and adds 12.2 points per game. Bryan Dougher, a two-time second-team All-America East choice and the conference's second-leading active scorer (1,392 points), ranks ninth in the conference in scoring (13.7 ppg) and fifth in steals (1.5 spg). Tommy Brenton is back to form after missing last season with an injury. The former all-leaguer is third in rebounding (8.2 rpg) and fifth in assists (3.8 rpg).
America East is in its first year of a five-year contract with ESPN that will feature conference games exclusively on ESPN3, ESPN’s multi-screen network available through an affiliated internet or video provider online via WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and through ESPN on Xbox LIVE. Fans can learn how to access games on all available platforms at ESPN3's FAQ page.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Albany (11-7, 3-1 AE) hosts Maine (8-6, 2-1 AE) at 7 p.m. in a battle of the league's top two offensive teams. The Black Bears, who have won five of their last seven games, are first, averaging 75.6 points per game, while the Great Danes, who have posted victories in six of their last eight contests, sit right behind averaging 74.6 points per game.
Vermont (9-9, 3-1 AE), winner of three straight and five of six, tries to extend its win streak to four when it visits New Hampshire (5-8, 0-3 AE) at 3 p.m. The Catamounts have a quick turnaround as they are coming off a 73-53 win over Binghamton Thursday. Clancy Rugg scored a career-best 18 points in just 19 minutes off the bench. The Wildcats are in search of their first league win and hope playing at Lundholm Gym, where four of their five wins have come this season will be the remedy.
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Upcoming Action
Saturday, January 14
Stony Brook at Boston U. (ESPN3), 12 p.m. -- Live Stats | ESPN 3 Video | Boston U. Audio | Stony Brook Audio
Vermont at New Hampshire, 3 p.m. -- Live Stats | Live Video | UNH Audio | Vermont Audio
Maine at Albany, 7 p.m. -- Live Stats | Live Video | Albany Audio | Maine Audio
Recent Results
Thursday, January 12
at Vermont 73, Binghamton 53 -- Box Score