ORONO - Returning to the friendly confines of Memorial Gymnasium and The Pit, Maine men's basketball notched their first victory of the 2020-21 season on Saturday afternoon, defeating their visiting rivals by a 59-56 final score in America East play.
The game was tight throughout, with five lead changes overall and a pair of ties at different points. However, Maine managed to take the lead for good at the 11:13 mark of the second half after a
LeChaun DuHart jumper gave them a 45-44 lead. Over the next 8:43,
Vilgot Larsson led Maine on a modest but critical 13-8 run to build Maine's lead to 57-51 with just under three minutes remaining. From there, the Black Bears held on, as
Mykhailo Yagodin hit a pair of clutch free throws to ice the 59-56 victory.
- Stephane Ingo recorded his third career double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and a block.
- Vilgot Larsson scored all 12 of his points in the second half, including a 3-3 showing from three-point land.
- Mykhailo Yagodin provided a big spark off the bench, recording nine key points down the stretch on 60.0% shooting from the field.
- Maine had their best shooting day of the season so far, shooting 45.7% from the field. The bench was key, scoring 23 of Maine's 59 points on the day.
This is Maine's first victory over New Hampshire since the 2018-19 season and their 121st victory in the rivalry. The Black Bears rise to 1-3 overall and 1-2 within the America East with the victory.
Maine and New Hampshire will do it again tomorrow, a 1:00 tip-off in The Pit.
For the latest news and updates regarding Maine men's basketball, stay tuned to GoBlackBears.com and the @MaineMBB social media channels.
