NEWARK, N.J. -  The University of Maine men's basketball team picked up their second America East conference win of the season and earned a split against the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Sunday afternoon, riding their most stifling defensive effort of the season to a 45-41 victory in Newark.

Neither offense ever got going in a significant way in this game, as neither team shot over 35% from the field. An Ata Turgut layup with 3:35 to go tied things at 37 all, setting up the play that turned the game From there, Maine iced the game with four free throws apiece from Precious Okoh and Stephane Ingo, sealing the 45-41 victory.
 

• Stephane Ingo continued his campaign to become the first-ever Maine men's basketball player to be named the America East's Defensive Player of the Year this afternoon. The Mississauga Missle had a new career-high six blocks on the day, the first Black Bear to reach that number since Mike Allison in December 2011. Steph was also the first Black Bear to reach five blocks in a game since Allison in January of 2013. Steph has now recorded five or more blocks in a game three times in his career and has at least one block in 18 straight games. 
• Oh, and for good measure, Ingo dropped his third straight double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Maine's defense is now ranked first in the America East and 48th in the nation. 
• LeChaun DuHart continued to carry the load offensively for Maine with a game-high 15 points alongside five rebounds. 
• Precious Okoh provided a spark in his first start of the season, posting nine points along with two steals. 
• Maine lifted their free-throw percentage from 28.6% yesterday to 53.3% today, improved but still an area in need of improvement at just 8-15 today.

Maine takes no breaks, lining up with the reigning conference champion Catamounts of Vermont next weekend. The Black Bears will travel to Burlington for games on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 and 1:00 respectively.  

For the latest news and updates regarding Maine men's basketball, stay tuned to GoBlackBears.com and the @MaineMBB social media channels.