Washington, D.C. – The University of Maine basketball team was defeated by American on the opening day of the three-day tournament on Friday, Nov. 28, 74-61.
 
American jumped out to an early double-digit lead that they were able to maintain throughout the first half as they took a 39-28 advantage into halftime.
 
TJ Biel had six points and three rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
 
Maine shot 50% from the field in the first half.
 
American pushed their lead up to a game-high 23 points in the second half before the Black Bears responded with an 12-0 run to cut the deficit in half with a little over nine minutes remaining in the half.
 
Maine continued to chip into the American lead as they got it back down to single digits with 4:03 remaining in the second half.
 
American was able to hold onto their lead, coming away with the victory, 74-61.

Notes:

• Biel had a game-high 15 points along with five rebounds.
• Ace Flagg had a game-high seven rebounds.
• Maine shot 50% from the field and outrebounded American 32-28.
• The Black Bears held American to 45.3% from the field.

The Black Bears (0-7) take on Longwood in the second day of the tournament on Saturday, Nov. 29. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 PM.
 
-UMaine-