Burlington, VT – The University of Maine basketball team fell in a close battle against Vermont on Thursday night, 67-62.
 
Both sides got in rhythm early on offense as each team was at 50% or better from the field in the first six minutes of action, led by Yanis Bamba and TJ Biel for the Black Bears, who each had five points.
 
Maine built up a lead in the first quarter as it got as high as six points on a Caleb Crawford three-pointer with a score of 24-18.
 
Vermont was able to jump in front heading into halftime by a score of 32-30.
 
Biel led the way with eight points while Crawford had six and Bamba had five.
 
Maine didn't commit a turnover in the first half while forcing five out of Vermont.
 
The Black Bears opened up the second half on a 15-3 run to take a double-digit lead with 14 minutes to go in the half.
 
Vermont responded with an 14-1 to retake the lead with just under nine minutes to go in the half.
 
The Catamounts were able to hang out for the victory at 67-62.
 
Notes:

• Steele ended with a career-high 17 points on 66.7% shooting and 5-for-7 from the free throw line.
• Biel ended with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.
• The Black Bears won the turnover battle 8-2.

 
The Black Bears (3-16) return to Orono to begin a three-game home stand on Monday, Jan. 19 as they take on UNH in the Buffalo Wild Wings Border Battle. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 PM.
 
-UMaine-