Vermont outlasts UMass-Lowell for America East title

Field Level Media|published: 03/16/2024, 1:29pm EDT

Vermont Catamounts head coach John Becker looks off with concern during the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Nationwide Arena. Syndication The Columbus Dispatch credits: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Vermont claimed its third straight America East title — and sixth in eight seasons — with a 66-61 victory over UMass-Lowell on Saturday in Burlington, Vt.

It was the third win of the season for the top-seeded Catamounts (28-6) over the second-seeded River Hawks (22-10).

The River Hawks took a 32-29 lead into halftime and scored to open the second half, giving them a five-point lead — their largest of the day. The Catamounts captured a 42-41 lead on a 3-pointer by TJ Long, who hit another shot from distance. Nick Fiorillo drained another three 3-pointer to extend the Vermont lead to 54-48 with 7:45 left.

The River Hawks never got closer than four points after that.

Shamir Bogues led the Catamounts with 15 points and nine rebounds. Long had 14, Aaron Deloney scored 12 and Fiorillo contributed 11.

For UMass-Lowell, Cam Morris III led the team with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Brayden O'Connor scored 14 and Ayinde Hikim added 11.

—Field Level Media