New Hampshire delivered a resounding 65-48 win over Maine at Skip Chappelle Court in Memorial Gymnasium, outpacing the Black Bears from start to finish. The Wildcats' strong performance was spearheaded by Belal El Shakery, who tallied 11 points and 7 rebounds, while also receiving significant contributions from John Squire and Tyler Bike, who each scored 10 points. This outcome defied the pre-game prediction by CHD Scout, which had Maine favored by 5.9 points.
The Wildcats set the tone early, racing to a 34-21 halftime lead. Maine struggled to find its footing, with Keelan Steele being one of the few bright spots, finishing with 9 points and 8 rebounds. Despite Steele's efforts, the Black Bears were unable to mount a significant challenge, as New Hampshire's balanced attack and stout defense allowed them to maintain a comfortable advantage throughout the second half.
The Black Bears' scoring woes were evident, as they managed just 27 points in the second half, unable to close the gap. New Hampshire, on the other hand, continued to find success on the offensive end, with El Shakery and Squire leading the charge. The Wildcats' 31 points in the second half were more than enough to secure the 17-point victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The convincing win for New Hampshire comes as a notable departure from the predicted outcome, which had Maine narrowly edging the Wildcats. Instead, New Hampshire's dominant performance serves as a reflection of their ability to capitalize on favorable matchups. For Maine, the loss represents another setback in a challenging season, with the Black Bears now sitting at 3-17.
This result has real consequences for both teams' resumes, particularly in the context of quadrants. As a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, the outcome will be viewed as a missed opportunity for Maine, while New Hampshire want to build on this momentum. With a current net ranking of 318, the Wildcats will aim to use this win as a springboard to improve their tournament chances. Conversely, Maine's net ranking of 346 underscores the need for the Black Bears to regroup and refocus in order to salvage their season. As the season progresses, New Hampshire's ability to secure wins against lower-ranked opponents matters in bolstering their tournament resume.