In a stunning turn of events, Maine pulled off a monumental upset at Skip Chappelle Court in Memorial Gymnasium, taking down Vermont 76-70. The Black Bears, with a record of 6-18, defied all expectations and handed the Catamounts a devastating loss. This outcome is a significant upset, considering Vermont's 14-10 record and a net ranking of 218, compared to Maine's 343.
Caleb Crawford led the charge for Maine, scoring 21 points and setting the tone for his team's impressive performance. He was supported by Mekhi Gray and TJ Biel, who added 17 points each, with Biel also dishing out 6 assists. The Black Bears' balanced attack and tenacious defense allowed them to build a 38-24 lead at halftime, which was a crucial factor in the game's outcome.
Vermont, on the other hand, was paced by TJ Hurley's 27 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Black Bears' strong start. The Catamounts did make a push in the second half, outscoring Maine 46-38, but it was too little, too late. TJ Long and Gus Yalden also made significant contributions for Vermont, with 13 and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Maine's collective effort.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
This result is a major blow to Vermont's tournament chances, and it's a reflection of Maine's resilience and determination. Prior to the game, CHD Scout predicted a Vermont win by 7.2 points, but the Black Bears had other plans. The actual outcome was a 6-point victory for Maine, a far cry from the predicted score of 65-72 in favor of the Catamounts.
The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. For Maine, this win is a Quad 4 victory, which, although not a significant boost to their tournament resume, is a much-needed confidence booster. On the other hand, Vermont's loss is a Quad 4 defeat, which could potentially harm their already slim tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 218, the Catamounts need to regroup and refocus to stay in the hunt for a postseason berth.
As the season enters its final stretch, this result serves as a reminder that upsets can happen at any time, and teams must be prepared to face any opponent. For Maine, this win is a beacon of hope, and they want to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. For Vermont, it's a wake-up call, and they must quickly rebound from this setback to stay on track. The resume implications of this result are clear: Maine's tournament chances remain a long shot, but they've proven they can compete with anyone on a given night, while Vermont's chances took a significant hit, making their road to the postseason even more challenging.