Burlington, VT – The University of Maine men's basketball program defeated Vermont in the America East Semifinals on Tuesday Night, presented by Jersey Mike's.
 
Maine came out of the gates locked in on the defensive side of the floor as they allowed just 8 points in the opening 10 minutes and 19 points overall in the first half.
 
The Black Bears pushed their lead out to as high as 13 in the opening half with 5:44 on the clock as Quion Burns hit a layup off a feed from Logan Carey.
 
Christopher Mantis led all scorers in the first half as he had 7 points.
 
Kellen Tynes had 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
 
Maine held the Catamounts to just 25.9% from the floor and forced 9 turnovers.
 
At 14:27 remaining in the second half, Kellen Tynes became the single season leader for most steals in a half, passing Craig Claxton (102) with his 103rd steal of the season.
 
Maine was able to hold onto their lead throughout the second half as they defeated the Catamounts, 57-42.
 
Kellen Tynes produced his second double-double of the season as he scored 13 points and had 13 rebounds. He added 3 steals and 3 blocks on the defensive end.
 
AJ Lopez finished with 14 points.
Maine held the Catamounts to 25.59% from the floor in the game and forced 17 turnovers.
 
The Black Bears will compete for an America East Championship for the first time since 2004 and defeated the Catamounts for the first time since 2013, having lost 30-straight until Tuesday night.
 
Maine (20-13) will take on the winner of #1 Bryant and #4 UAlbany on Saturday, March 15 at 11 AM. Maine will host the America East Championship is UAlbany wins or will travel to Bryant if the Bulldogs win.
 
-UMaine-