The University of Maine men’s basketball team lost its grip on a close game with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday night, falling 80-62 in Minneapolis.
Trailing 49-43 with 11:51 remaining in the game, the Black Bears conceded a 16-4 Minnesota run over the next five minutes and couldn’t bring it back within single digits.
It was UMaine’s final non-conference game of the season, wrapping up a tough ending to 2023 that featured road losses to Central Florida (8-3), Florida International (5-9) and now Minnesota (10-3). Headed into America East Conference play, UMaine stands at 8-7.
On Friday, the difference makers were the Gophers’ efficient 3-point shooting (11-for-24) and physicality in the post (19 fouls drawn). Minnesota had four players convert at least two 3-pointers — including five for junior guard Mike Mitchell, Jr. — while sophomore forward Pharrel Payne (12 points, eight rebounds) scored five field goals and drew seven fouls down low.
UMaine countered with double-digit scoring performances from senior forward Peter Filipovity (16 points, 13 rebounds), junior forward Kristians Feierbergs (14 points, five rebounds) and junior guard Kellen Tynes (13 points, six assists). As a team, UMaine shot 44.8 percent from the field, but just 26.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Next up, UMaine will begin Conference play on Jan. 6 at 2 p.m., when the Black Bears travel to Vermont to play the reigning champion Catamounts. Then on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m., the Black Bears will host New Hampshire.
