The University of Maine men’s basketball team won its second straight home game on Saturday, powering past New Jersey Tech 68-58 to retake fifth place in the America East standings.
At 5-8 in conference games, the Black Bears have now won four times at The Pit, losing just once in Orono to No. 1 Vermont (12-1) last week. Last place NJIT moved to 3-11 with the loss.
Down 34-31 and looking flustered offensively early in the second half, UMaine willed themselves — and the fans — back into the game on three thrilling plays at the rim. First, junior Kellen Tynes found senior Peter Filipovity in transition for a tough bucket through two Highlander defenders, followed by a Tynes steal and emphatic two-handed jam, and finally a Quion Burns fadeaway layup through contact for a successful and-one play.
Riding the momentum, Burns would add a 3-pointer and two more jumpers to help extend Maine’s lead to 52-42, and the Black Bears would hold on for their second consecutive victory.