UMBC secured a hard-fought 75-74 victory over New Hampshire at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, thanks in large part to a balanced attack led by DJ Armstrong Jr.'s 17 points. The Retrievers trailed by nine at halftime, 39-30, but stormed back in the second half to outscore the Wildcats 45-35 and claim the win.
Belal El Shakery was a force to be reckoned with for New Hampshire, posting an impressive double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. His efforts kept the Wildcats in the game, but ultimately, UMBC's depth and second-half surge proved too much to overcome. Jah'Likai King and Ace Valentine chipped in with 15 and 12 points, respectively, to support Armstrong Jr.'s strong performance.
The first half belonged to New Hampshire, as they built a nine-point cushion behind El Shakery's 10 points and 7 rebounds. However, UMBC regrouped at halftime and came out with renewed energy in the second half. The Retrievers' offense clicked into gear, with Armstrong Jr. and King combining for 22 points after the break. UMBC's defense also stiffened, holding the Wildcats to 35 points in the second half and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
As the final minutes ticked away, both teams traded baskets, with neither able to gain a decisive advantage. In the end, UMBC's narrow lead held up, securing a 75-74 win. The victory improves UMBC's record to 11-7, while New Hampshire falls to 7-12.
This contest was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, which can be a challenging hurdle to clear when it comes to building a strong NCAA tournament resume. However, for UMBC, the win helps to bolster their overall record and provides a much-needed boost to their confidence. The Retrievers want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
The loss is a tough pill to swallow for New Hampshire, but El Shakery's outstanding performance is a silver lining. His double-double against a respectable opponent like UMBC demonstrates his ability to compete at a high level, even if the team result didn't go in their favor. As the Wildcats move forward, they'll aim to replicate El Shakery's efforts and find ways to close out games like this one.
In the end, UMBC's victory may not significantly alter their tournament chances, but it does provide a welcome addition to their resume. The Retrievers must continue racking up wins, particularly against stronger opponents, to make a serious push for postseason consideration. For now, they can savor this hard-earned victory and look to carry the momentum forward.