Smithfield, RI - The University of Maine men's basketball team was defeated by Bryant in the conference opener on Saturday afternoon.

The Black Bears jumped out to an early six-point lead in large part to an early 8 points from AJ Lopez as he knocked down his opening three shots, two of which were three-pointers.

Bryant took the lead at 21-18 on the back off of an 11-0 run midway through the first half.

The Bulldogs ended the first half on a 28-7 run as Maine trailed 38-25 at halftime.

AJ Lopez led the Black Bears in scoring as he had 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting.

Kellen Tynes had a pair of steals in 18 minutes of action.

Bryant began the second half on a 13-0 run, setting up their victory at a final score of 81-55.

Lopez tied his career high with 24 points for the Black Bears.

Tynes had 4 steals while Logan Carey had nine points off the bench, his season-high against DI opponents.

Maine (8-8, 0-1 AE) returns to Orono for their next two conference games as they are set to host Binghamton on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 6 PM and UAlbany on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 PM.

-UMaine-