BOSTON – The opening day of men’s #AEHoops action featured some great competition as all four games were tight at the half and three were decided by seven points or less. The lone double-digit victory was thanks a career effort from Bryant’s Sherif Gross-Bullock.
Bryant 81, UMBC 67 - Box Score
Sherif Gross-Bullock torched the Retrievers for a career-best 41 points as the Bulldogs trailed by three at the half but outscored the hosts by 17 in the second to earn the victory. It must be something about being back in the DMV, but Gross-Bullock’s previous career high was 39 points at UMBC last season. Earl Timberlake added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Dion Brown led UMBC with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Vermont 65, Maine 58 - Box Score
The Catamounts extended their win streak against #AEHoops opponents to 16 with a comeback victory over Maine. Vermont scored just two points over the final seven minutes of the first half as the Black Bears led by four at the break (30-26). UVM came out firing in the second and eventually extended its lead as high as 11 in the final six minutes on the way to the seven-point win. Ileri Ayo-Faleye stuff the stat sheet for the Catamounts with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals.
UMass Lowell 82, New Hampshire 75 - Box Score
The River Hawks led by just a single point at the half but stretched their lead to 11 points seven minutes into the second half. UNH was unable to get any closer than five points in the final 12 minutes as UML secured the road victory. Brayden O’Connor led the River Hawks with 23 points, two rebounds and one block, while Max Brooks chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds. Clarence Daniels was a force in the loss with 22 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
UAlbany 79, NJIT 73 - Box Score
It was a back-and-forth contest as the Highlanders led 35-34 at the half. In the second, UAlbany went on a run to take back the lead. NJIT did close the gap to one midway through the period, but an 11-1 run by the Great Danes put the contest away. Four players scored in double figures, including Jonathan Beagle who had 19 points and 16 rebounds, Aaron Reddish added 16 and nine boards while Sebastian Thomas totaled 22 points. Tariq Francis paced NJIT with 22 points and six assists.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 11
New Hampshire at Maine – 6 PM
NJIT at UMass Lowell – 6:30 PM
UMBC at Vermont – 7 pm (ESPNU)
Binghamton at Bryant – 7 PM
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