ORONO, Maine – The Bryant Bulldogs pulled off a hard-fought 56-51 win against the Maine Black Bears in their first America East game. The Bulldogs were led by Ashley Sims II and Quincy Allen, who both achieved their first double-doubles in college basketball.
With this victory, Bryant’s record improved to 5-10 overall and 1-0 in the conference. They’ll continue their league journey next Thursday against UMass Lowell at the Chace Athletic Center.
The game started slowly for both teams, with numerous turnovers and missed shots. Maine took an early lead, and it took over five minutes for Bryant to score. But once Sims hit a basket, it triggered a 12-0 run. Throughout the first half, the Bulldogs’ defense stood strong, causing Maine to struggle with their shots.
As the game progressed, Bryant managed to pull ahead with an 11-point lead in the second half. However, Maine made a spirited comeback and briefly took the lead late in the game. In a tense final stretch, Sims scored crucial points to regain the advantage, and Jakai Robinson sealed the win with two free throws.
The Bulldogs’ shooting stats were not optimal, hitting only 30% from the field and 17% from beyond the arc. Despite this, they dominated the boards with a 46-42 edge in rebounds. Sims, Allen, and Ty Tabales each contributed 12 points, while Aaron Davis led the team with 13 points.
Insights
The win against Maine not only showcases Bryant’s potential but also reflects a trend in college basketball where underdog teams are increasingly stepping up in high-pressure games. According to a recent NCAA report, close games are becoming more frequent, indicating that competition is fierce across the board.
This game was especially dear to Bryant, marking their sixth consecutive win against Maine, signifying a shift in rivalry dynamics. Historically, Bryant was more of an underdog in this matchup, but their recent performances highlight a turnaround in luck and skill.
Fans reacted positively to the team’s grit and determination in social media posts, celebrating their victory in the face of adversity. This kind of engagement shows how crucial teamwork and resilience are, not just in sports but in broader contexts as well.
As Bryant prepares for their upcoming game, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and building on this win. A larger view on college basketball reveals that teams who capitalize on their home games tend to perform better in the long run.
For more details on the game, check out the official NCAA statistics here.
It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs carry this victory into their next matchup and if they can continue to build on this promising start in America East conference play.
