Chris De La Rosa was one of the top pure point guards in the AEC last season.

Things didn’t go well for UMBC last year as they finished with just four wins and couldn’t managed to get a rebound or play a lick of defense. But that was last year. This year there is definitely good reason to believe the Retrievers can improve. Last season UMBC was not only the youngest team in the America East Conference but they were also the shortest team in the AEC. However, three big defensive minded graduate students are ready to change everything.

The return of Justin Fry, who missed all of last season after tearing his MCL, should have an immediate impact on the team. Fry started for three seasons prior to his injury and developed into a dominating interior defender and started to show strong offensive ability towards the end of his junior season. In the 2008-09 season Fry had a career year, averaging 8.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. While the injury that he sustained may be hard to come back from, Fry’s size and experience is still going to be welcomed back this season.

UMBC’s other grad student-athletes are both transfers. Laurence Jolicoeur transferred from Manhattan, where he was a two year starter and through he only averaged 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, he brings a great set of offensive skills. Jolicoeur, who is 6’9”, 210 pounds, primarily plays on the perimeter and has shown solid three-point shooting potential. But because of his size and athleticism Jolicoeur will run the floor and make dazzling dunks. King comes to UMBC after playing at George Washington, where he played in an NCAA tournament game his freshman season. The guard brings a strong defensive ability to the Retrievers, which really needed that last year. King also has three-point shooting ability and size to get inside and be a factor.

While UMBC adds to grad transfers and welcomes another grad student back, the Retrievers also return a solid duo from last season. Chris De La Rosa was fantastic in his first year at UMBC after transferring from Siena as he showed he was one of the best, if not the best pure point guards in the conference. De La Rosa led the AEC in assists, averaging 5.1 per game, and while he is a pass-first point guard he was forced to score last season after UMBC was so inconsistent and thrived in that role, scoring 11.7 points per game.

De La Rosa is definitely going to have to continue to be in a scorer’s role this year as four of the team’s top five scorers from last year as no longer on the team. Chauncey Gilliam (13.3 ppg) transferred to Akron, Robbie Jackson (8.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) was forced to leave due to academic issues, Shawn Grant (8.1 ppg) transferred to Foothills Junior College, which is near his home in Northern California, and Matt Spadafora (7.0 ppg) graduated.

Those losses also mean UMBC is going to have to see big improvements from Adrian Satchell, who started every game as a freshman and averaged 6.3 ppg, and a team-high 5.1 rpg en route to an All-Freshman team selection. Satchell showed a lot of potential last season but is going to have to pick it up as a sophomore as she is one of two returning starters and the team’s second-leading returning scorer.

The last few years Randy Monroe has been running a six or seven man rotation and on good days he called on eight players. But this season he will be able to call on many more players and expect productivity. Returning to the team are Brian Neller (4.3 ppg), Jake Wasco (2.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and Bakari Smith ( 1.2 ppg). Neller showed tremendous three-point shooting ability last year and could develop into a three-point ace in the AEC. Wasco and Smith both bring two years of experience on the Retriever squad. The team is probably going to be without the only other returning player: Nick Groce, who broke his foot in the preseason and is out indefinitely.

Monroe also welcomes three freshmen, all of whom should make big impacts. Chase Plummer might be the best of all of them. While he did not start in high school he was the sixth-man at St. Patrick, one of the countries top high school programs. While Plummer brings a very good set of skills, including a lot of strength and a strong inside game, he has played against extremely high competition each day in practice as St. Patrick was where Kyrie Irving, the starting point guard for reigning national champion Duke, and Michael Gilchrest, the current top ranked high school player, were just two of the many talented players on Plummer’s team. Matt Conway is an uber-athletic forward that is not only a guy capable of nice dunks, but is a guy that is expected to play shutdown defense and hit some threes.

Finally, UMBC welcomes Jamar Wertz. Wertz was on the team last season but after tearing his meniscus in the preseason he was forced to take a medical redshirt. That year should really help his game, not because he wasn’t ready to make an impact, but not he had a chance to refine his skills. Wertz is a gifted offensive player. He’s a big and strong wing that is far from one dimensional, proven by his 1,700+ points in high school. Wertz will use his size to get inside but also had a soft shooting touch and will hit shots from outside.

Jackson averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds last year

Normally when a team released their roster it is not a big deal. Fan’s know who’s back, who’s graduated, who’s transferring, but the men’s basketball team’s roster left a big name off: Robbie Jackson.

Jackson will not be with the men’s basketball team in 2010, which would have been his senior season, according to UMBC athletic officials.

“Jackson’s issues were just academic issues that he wasn’t doing his part,” Coach Randy Monroe said in an interview with the Baltimore Sun. “As a result, we hold our guys accountable. They have to do their part academically and athletically.”

In his first season with the Retrievers after transferring from Marshall, the 7’1″ center was second on the team in rebounding average, 5.1, and field goal percentage, 49.4%, and finished ranked third on the team in scoring, 8.7 points per game.

Jackson was expected to be a major contributor in the front court this season as he is the team’s second leading returning scorer.

With his loss the team will have to rely on junior Jake Wasco, sophomore Adrian Satchell, and freshmen Chase Plummer and Matt Conway to help redshirt senior Justin Fry on the inside.

The team will have just 11 scholarship players of an allowed 13, leaving room for a few walk-ons to make the team.

Adrian Satchell and Shawn Grant both give UMBC a lot of hope for the future and played great but Chauncey Gilliam and Chris De La Rosa just could not get things going, and without those two getting hot from the floor UMBC usually struggles.

It has certainly been a very disappointing season for UMBC but they never gave up at any point. With so much youth and inexperience, and a lack of size, the team struggled and their streak of first round wins in the tournament ends with a 76-59 loss to Vermont.

Pregame:
It’s tournament time and anything can happen. Both teams records are out the window and nothing during the regular season matters, though you should keep in mind that Vermont did beat UMBC twice during the season. Both times the two teams met UMBC just doubled Marqus Blakely with Matt Spadafora and Robbie Jackson or Adrian Satchell, that double team opened up shots on the outside and Garvey Young and Maurice Joseph made UMBC pay for it.

But the last time UMBC played on this floor they had no problem doing well. Chauncey Gilliam scored a career high 26 points while Chris De La Rosa had 22 points and five assists.

If we’ve learned anything about these two teams the last few years it is this: Vermont falls apart at tournament time while UMBC overachieves. Last season UMBC was not supposed to even contend in the first round yet made it to the championship game while Vermont was in some views the favorite to win yet fell apart in the first round and lost.

It will be an interesting game but that’s why these are played, anybody can win, and anybody can lose by 40 in any tournament game.

Starters:

Vermont:
F- Marqus Blakely
F- Evan Fjeld
G- Maurice Joseph
G- Garvey Young
G- Nick Vier

UMBC:
C- Robbie Jackson
G- Adrian Satchell
G- Matt Spadafora
G- Chauncey Gilliam
G- Chris De La Rosa

First Half:

16:27- 9-2 Vermont

Randy Monroe was just issued a technical foul. His guys are trying too hard and it is not working out for them. They are forcing stuff. Chauncey Gilliam tired to dunk in a crowd when the layup was a better option which caused a loss of a possession, They are trying to force fast break opportunities, and they are over pursuing on defense.

15:53- 13-2 Vermont

Being down this much this early is not a good sign, luckily there is plenty of time to make for the terrible start.

11:46- 18-8 Vermont

UMBC has to settle down if they want to have any chance of making a comeback. They are starting to do that a little bit but are still setting for the first shots rather than passing around a little more and getting open shots.

9:30- 28-10 Vermont

The Retrievers are simple put- playing bad basketball. They are making bad passes, rushing shots, not setting their feet on defense, and playing overly aggressive. They still have enough time to comeback but Randy Monroe has to find a way to settle them down for them to do that.

6:48- 31-16 Vermont

After that timeout UMBC seemed to settle down and that resulted in three straight trips down the court of an easy layup, all of which were by Adrian Satchell who grew up 10 minutes away from University of Hartford.

5:35- 33-18 Vermont

Adrian Satchell came up with another easy layup inside after a steal by Brian Neller. He currently leads the team with 10 points.

3:58- 33-21 Vermont

Brian Neller came down the floor after a solid defensive effort on the opposite end of the floor and nailed an open three pointer. Just before the timeout through Chris De La Rosa went to the basket and was rejected by Marqus Blakely, which fired up the crowd with mostly Vermont fans.

Halftime: 40-26 Vermont

Outside of a short span in the middle of the half UMBC could not have played much worse. A lot of time teams give it 110% and get a win, but in this case UMBC gave it 200% and was on overload. They just really forced shots and passed. They turned the ball over five times and were outrebounded 26-16.

Stats:

Vermont:
Maurice Joseph- 14 points, 4 rebounds
Marqus Blakely- 9 points, 10 rebounds
Garvey Young- 6 points, 1 assist
Pat Bergman- 4 points, 3 rebounds
Evan Fjeld- 3 points, 2 rebounds
Joey Accaoui0- 3 points
Nick Vier- 1 point, 2 rebounds

UMBC:
Adrian Satchell- 12 points, 6 rebounds
Shawn Grant- 7 points, 4 rebounds
Brian Neller- 3 points, 1 rebound
Robbie Jackson- 2 points
Chris De La Rosa- 2 points, 3 assist

Second Half:

18:38- 44-26 Vermont

Vermont came out and made two quick baskets, this may be an early exit for UMBC unless they can somehow get on a BIG run.

18:19- 44-26 Vermont

Chauncey Gilliam charge with a technical foul, to be honest with the way he’s been playing, very, very sloppy, too aggressive, and not smart, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the bench the rest of the game.

15:04- 51-28 Vermont

Vermont has started the half on an 11-2 run. Robbie Jackson picked up his fourth foul just after the lst timeout and may be out of the game for a while. Right now they are going all guards and that is killing them in the rebounding battle.

11:28- 57-38 Vermont

UMBC is actually starting to play their game but it may be a case of too little too late. Shawn Grant has started heating up and now has 12 points while fellow freshman Adrian Satchell still leads the team with 14 points.

7:29- 65-44 Vermont

I just got up close and personal with Maurice Joseph who dove over the press table right next to me to save a ball going out of bounce (crazy!). But UMBC is just not playing well this game, miracles happen but this game was probably over in the first half.

3:47- 71-50 Vermont

Barring a miracle this is going to be my last update before the half. UMBC knows they are out of it at this point but are still working hard. Shots just are not falling though you have to be impressed with the freshman duo of Adrian Satchell (14 points, 12 rebounds_ and Shawn Grant (15 points, 3 threes)

Final Stats:

Vermont:
Maurice Joseph- 19 points, 5 rebounds
Marqus Blakely- 18 points, 12 rebounds
Evan Fjeld- 10 points, 10 rebounds,
Garvey Young- 6 points
Brendan Bald- 6 points, 3 rebounds
Joey Accoui- 5 points
Pat Bergmann- 4 points, 5 rebounds
Nick Vier- 3 points, 2 assists
Simeon Marsalis- 3 points
Garrett Kissel- 2 points, 1 rebound

UMBC:
Shawn Grant- 17 points, 5 rebounds
Adrian Satchell- 14 points, 12 rebounds
Chris De La Rosa- 10 points, 6 assists
Chauncey Gilliam- 9 points, 3 rebounds
Brian Neller- 3 points, 2 steals
Bakari Smith- 2 points, 5 rebounds
Nick Groce- 2 points, 1 rebound
Robbie Jackson- 2 points, 2 rebound

Without Chauncey Gilliam and Jake Wasco the men’s basketball team put up an inspired effort on senior night but they just did not do enough on defense to pull off the upset. The team came out fired up and held the lead for the majority of the first half, but Stony Brook went on a 22-8 run to start the second half and UMBC could never get back into it.

Despite the loss, Matt Spadafora went out right with 10 points and 6 rebounds and a stand ovation.

But the fact that UMBC failed to win a home game was disappointing, they were close in some but could just did not have the talent this year.

Pregame:

The stats may say UMBC doesn’t have a chance but they aren’t going to lay down. They haven’t won a game at home this season and they are not going to want that number to stay at zero for the entire season. They are a passionate group of guys who will do what ever they can to get that win. There are to big notes for tonight’s game. Chauncey Gilliam has a concussion and will be unavailable tonight. Against Albany he came down hard after attempting a layup and when he slammed down it turns out he hit his head and will got a concussion. The other injury is to Jake Wasco who has a cast on his right leg. He may be done for the season. Starting in Chauncey’s spot could be one of three guys, Brian Neller, Nick Groce, and Shawn Grant. Each have a reason to be in the lineup and if it were up to me I’d choose Neller because he has three-point shooting ability. He may be streaky shooting but at this point I’d give him as much time to work on it as possible and it could be a good opportunity. Groce may be the most polished of the three and Grant has seen the most time and has been the most effective on the offensive end this year. In Wasco’s place it is probably going to be Robbie Jackson. While that may bring more talent that really cuts the depth in the starting lineup and if there is any foul trouble it could be a major issue. Basically expect a lot of zone, and with Dougher and El-Amin, that is not a team you want to play zone against.

Starters:

Stony Brook:
F- Dallis Joyner
F- Tommy Brenton
G- Chair Martin
G- Muhammad El-Amin
G- Bryan Dougher

UMBC:
C- Robbie Jackson
G- Adrian Satchell
G- Matt Spadafora
G- Shawn Grant
G- Chris De La Rosa

First Half:

15:54- 10-8 UMBC
Even without Chauncey or Wasco they team came out fired up. Dougher cannot guard Chris De La Rosa and right now All of Stony Brooks points are from Chris Martin.

11:01- 14-12 UMBC
The upsetting part for UMBC is only Robbie Jackson and Chris De La Rosa have scored so far, but Stony Brook is not playing fluid without Chris Martin on the team, so far he had eight and El-Amin and Goba have two.

5:06- 32-29 UMBC
Matt Spadafora wants to go out on top in this game. He made two three pointers, one shy of his career high. He has five rebounds, and just took a lost possession and threw it against a Stony Brook player to get possession back just before the break. He currently has eight points, as does Robbie Jackson.

3:52- 32-32 Tied
UMBC doesn’t have an answer for Muhammed El-Amin, possibly the best offensive player in the America East. He has 12 points while Chris Martin has 13.

1:17- 37-34 Stony Brook
The good part for UMBC is El-Amin and Martin are the only players really doing anything. If UMBC could keep the rest in check that could work out in the end.

Halftime- 38-34- Stony Brook
UMBC let the hot start slip away from them towards the end but the game is close and as you know, when you let a bad team hang around that rarely ends well for the favorite.

Stats:
Stony Brook-
Muhammed El Amin- 15 points, 2 rebounds
Chris Martin- 13 points, 1 rebound
Dallis Joyner- 5 points, 3 rebounds
Bryan Dougher- 3 points, 2 assists
Andrew Goba- 2 points, 1 rebound
Tommy Brenton- 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Preye Preboye- 1 rebound
Marcus Rouse- 1 rebound
Eddie Castellanos- 1 rebound, 1 assist

UMBC-
Matt Spadafora- 8 points, 5 rebounds
Robbie Jackson- 8 points, 2 rebounds
Chris De La Rosa- 6 points, 2 assists
Shawn Grant- 5 points, 4 rebounds
Brian Neller- 3 points, 2 rebounds
Adrian Satchell- 2 points, 4 rebounds
Nick Groce- 2 points, 3 assists

Second Half:

17:22- 44-36 Stony Brook
UMBC has come out flat in the half and aren’t looking very fluid on offense. They’ve missed a few chances to score and have made some bad turnovers that Stony Brook has scored off of.

15:38- 46-38 Stony Brook
The Seawolves went on an 8-0 and have given themselves a comfortable cushion right now. El-Amin has 19 points.

14:01- 53-39 Stony Brook
UMBC is really letting this one get away. It’s not depth either, they are playing bad defense this half and just can’t stop the easy baskets.

11:40- 60-41 Stony Brook
Stony brook has started the second half out on a 22-6 run. UMBC is not playing an offense, they are just running around looking for their points. On defense they are being beat inside and just leaving lanes for Stony Brook to go to.

7:53- 66-47 Stony Brook
It was only a matter of time before Stony Brook got their offense going, unfortunately UMBC still hasn’t gotten their going, and there defense still isn’t there either.

3:38- 75-63 Stony Brook
UMBC is not giving up, and have four players in double figures, but with under 4:00 left they have to step up the defense if they want to comeback.

2:14- 77-66 Stony Brook
UMBC is doing a lot right except getting back on defense, but they are at least keeping it to where a mini run gets then right back in the game.

57.2- 82-68 Stony Brook
It’s too late for UMBC, they took to much time on possessions down the stretch and didn’t get enough stops.

Final- 86-71 Stony Brook
UMBC had four player score in double figures and scored 72 points but just did not have the defense to win.

Stats:

Stony Brook-
Muhammed El-Amin- 26 points, 3 rebounds
Chris Martin- 17 points, 1 rebound
Bryan Dougher- 14 points, 2 assists
Tommy Brenton- 10 points, 11 rebounds
Dallis Joyner- 7 points, 5 rebounds
Marcus Rouse- 6 points, 2 rebounds
Preye Preboye- 1 points, 4 rebounds
Eddie Castellanos- 2 points, 2 rebounds
Andrew Goba- 2 points, 1 rebound

UMBC-
Chris De La Rosa- 20 points, 4 assists
Shawn Grant- 17 points, 5 rebounds
Robbie Jackson- 12 points, 5 rebounds
Matt Spadafora- 10 points, 6 rebounds
Brian Neller- 6 points, 2 rebounds
Nick Groce- 4 points, 3 assists
Adrian Satchell- 3 points, 8 rebounds

UMBC (3-23, 2-11):
F- Jake Wasco (2.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 43.1 FG%)
G- Adrian Satchell (6.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 51.4 FG%)
G- Matt Spadafora (7.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 37.5 FG%)
G- Chauncey Gilliam (13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.3 spg)
G- Chris De La Rosa (11.2 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.8 rpg)

Key Reserves:
C- Robbie Jackson (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 49.0 FG%)
G- Brian Neller (4.0 ppg, 1.2 three’s per game, 30.7 3-pt%)
G- Shawn Grant (7.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 35.7 FG%)
G- Nick Groce (2.8 ppg, 1.2 apg, 38.2 FG%)

Stony Brook (18-7, 10-2):
F- Dallis Joyner (7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 43.4 FG%)
F- Tommy Brenton (8.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 56.3 FG%)
G- Chris Martin (10.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.5 apg)
G- Muhammad El-Amin (16.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.8 three’s per game)
G- Bryan Dougher (13.5 ppg, 2.8 three’s per game, 40.8 3-pt%)

Key Reserves:
C- Andrew Goba (0.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 38.5 FG%)
F- Danny Carter (2.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 48.1 FG%)
F- Preye Preboye (2.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 32.2 FG%)
G- Marcus Rouse (4.6 ppg, 1.3 spg, 41.2 FG%)
G- Eddie Castellanos (1.3 ppg, 1.7 apg, 1.0 rpg)

By the numbers:

Points Per Game:
Stony Brook- 68.7
UMBC- 62.4

Points Allowed Per Game:
Stony Brook- 62.0
UMBC- 73.9

Field Goal Percentage:
UMBC- 40.7%
Stony Brook- 40.7%

Three Point Percentage:
Stony Brook- 34.9%
UMBC- 31.3%

Rebounding Margin:
Stony Brook- +3.7
UMBC- -10.2

Turnover Margin:
Stony Brook- +1.92
UMBC- +1.46

Assist-to-Turnover Ratio:
UMBC- 1.0
Stony Brook- 0.9

UMBC is really going to need a miracle to pull off this upset and may- gulp- be looking at a winless home record this season as it is their last home game of the year.

Because it is the last home game the lone senior, Matt Spadafora, is going to be honored before the game. Now let me say something about him first, he’s been very successful over his career and he is really a guy you want to do well. But he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations on offense but he has certainly been an under-appreciated player this season. He always hustles and is always the first one back on defense. He would have his great moments where he’d score 17 points but that wasn’t hit game.

As for the game, UMBC coud have trouble getting rebounds. Stony Brook crashes the board hard and is top in the league, UMBC, is last. For UMBC to have success they are going to have to feed the ball inside. They don’t have enough consistent three-point shooters to just out shoot Stony Brook so if they can work the ball inside, and then limit their opportunities inside, that should forced the ball out for Stony Brook. While they are good at shooting the three ball, eventually it may wear down and UMBC could get a giant upset.

But try to make it out to the game, it’s senior night, it’s the final home game of the season, and it’s RAC in Black night and everybody gets a free t-shirt.

Albany got out to an 18 point lead in the first half and while UMBC was able to get within six in the second half the game was never really close. Albany just imposed their will on UMBC, shot 52.9% from the field and out-rebounded the Retrievers 44-32.

Chauncey Gilliam scored in double-digits in his 10th straight game with a 15 point performance, all of which came in the second half. Fellow guard Chris De La Rosa led the team with 19 points and has three assists and three rebounds. Robbie Jackson had nine points and six rebounds while freshman Adrian Satchell has eight points and eight rebounds.

UMBC very well may have put themselves in the play-in-game with the loss.

Pregame:

Starters:

Albany-
C- Blake Metcalf
F- Fran Urli
F- Will Harris
G- Logan Aronhalt
G- Mike Black

UMBC-
F- Jake Wasco
G- Adrian Satchell
G- Matt Spadafora
G- Chauncey Gilliam
G- Chris De La Rosa

First Half:

15:57 7-2 Albany
Sloppy play on both sides of the ball. UMBC is shooting just 12.5% from the field.

14:36 13-4 Albany
Albany has made three three’s so far and UMBC is still shooting just 11.1% from the field. Before this game gets to out of hand UMBC has to step up on defense. They are late getting back every time and are letting Albany shoot 55.6%

11:11- 20-10 Albany
UMBC is shooting a lot better and bumped their field goal percentage to 30.8%. Gilliam took a hard fall after a trip to the basket and looked to hurt his hip. He came up slow and was taken out of the game but appears to be fine and he should be back in the game eventually.

7:56- 27-14 Albany
UMBC has not been able to stop Albany’s three-point shot. They have five and have shot 55.9% so gar in the game. UMBC is 0-4 from three point range and shooting just 33.3% in the game.

5:49- 34-16 Albany
There is no way UMBC should be down by 18 points at this point in the game. They have come out with no energy. They are constantly beat back on defense and just not shooting well. That’s the recipe for disaster.

3:55- 34-22 Albany
UMBC is on a mini 6-0 run. Right now they have to cut the lead to eight or less by half time, otherwise it may be too much to come back from.

Haltime- 37-26 Albany
UMBC had plenty of opportunities to cut the deficit at the half but couldn’t get it done. On the bright side they did play much better down the stretch. But the defense is still playing terrible. Albany is shooting 53.6% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

Stats:
Albany-
Mike Black- 12 points, 2 assists
Logan Aronhalt- 8 points
Scotty McRae- 8 points, 5 rebounds
Tim Ambrose- 5 points, 6 rebounds
Will Harris- 2 points, 4 rebounds
Brett Gifford- 2 points
Blake Metcalf- 5 rebounds
Fran Urli- 1 rebound, 1 assist

UMBC-
Chris De La Rosa- 12 points, 2 assists
Adrian Satchell- 4 points, 3 rebounds
Robbie Jackson- 4 points, 2 rebounds
Shawn Grant- 4 points, 2 rebounds
Jake Wasco- 2 points, 2 rebounds
Matt Spadafora- 1 rebound
Chauncey Gilliam- 1 assist

Second Half:

16:08- 42-35 Albany
UMBC still did not come out great but managed to cut the Albany lead to just three-possessions. Gilliam finally got on the board with a three and two free throws.

11:39- 50-40 Albany
Albany is still just having it their way on offense and shooting 52.6% from the field. UMBC is being out-rebounded 31-21 and are shooting just 57.1% from the free throw line and not really helping themselves out.

7:56- 55-44 Albany
While there is still a chance to come back UMBC just isn’t playing with the fire they need to. They stepped it up a little bit on defense as Albany is now shooting 48.8%, but UMBC is just shooting 37.3% from the floor and 16.7% from three-point range. Chauncey Gilliam has finally gotten into a rhythm and has scored 12 points in the second half so far.

6:07- 60-47 Albany
Tim Ambrose just got to the free throw line and followed it up with a steal and dunk that just completely quieted the crowd and forced UMBC to take a timeout. UMBC really has to get some sort of defense going. Until then it doesn’t matter if the offense picks up.

3:58- 65-50 Albany
Albany is just doing what they want in this game. 51.0% from the floor, 35.3% from three-point range. Three players already have at least 10 points while Scotty McRae leads all players with 19. UMBC is being out-rebounded 40-26 and are shooting just 36.8% from the field and 13.35 from three-point range.

2:25- 67-52 Albany
Once again Tim Ambrose just completely shut down the crowd with a fast break dunk. Right now with a 15 point deficit it is probably too late to come back, especially with the way UMBC has played.

Final:
It really wasn’t even close. UMBC just could not stop Albany’s offense who shot 52.9% from the field. UMBC shot just 35.7% and were out of sync on both ends of the court. The Dawgs may have clinched themselves a play in game spot, though it is still possible to get out of it.

Stats:

Albany-
Scotty McRae- 21 points, 9 rebounds
Tim Ambrose- 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists
Mike Black- 15 points, 4 assists
Logan Aronhalt- 9 points, 1 rebound
Brett Gifford- 6 points, 4 rebounds
Fran Urli- 3 points, 2 rebounds
Will Harris- 2 points, 5 rebounds
Derrek Tartt- 2 points, 1 rebound
Blake Metcalf- 7 rebounds

UMBC-
Chris De La Rosa- 19 points, 3 assists
Chauncey Gilliam- 15 points, 2 rebounds
Robbie Jackson- 9 points, 6 rebounds
Adrian Satchell- 8 points, 8 rebounds
Shawn Grant- 4 points, 6 rebounds
Jake Wasco- 4 points, 2 rebounds
Matt Spadafora- 3 points, 1 rebound

UMBC (3-22, 2-10):
F- Jake Wasco (2,0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 42.6 FG%)
G- Adrian Satchell (6.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 52.3 FG%)
G- Matt Spadafora (7.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.0 spg)
G- Chauncey Gilliam (13.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.2 spg)
G- Chris De La Rosa (10.8 ppg, 5.2 apg, 2.8 rpg)

Key Reserves:
C- Robbie Jackson (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 48.3 FG%)
G- Brian Neller (4.2 ppg, 1.3 three’s per game, 32.3 3-pt%)
G- Shawn Grant (7.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 35.8 FG%)
G- Bakari Smith (1.0 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 36.4 FG%)
G- Nick Groce (3.0 ppg, 1.2 apg, 38.8 FG%)

Albany (6-21, 1-11):
C- Blake Metcalf (2.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 49.0 FG%)
F- Fran Urli (5.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 51.7 FG%)
F- Billy Allen (3.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 36.8 FG%)
G- Logan Aronhalt (5.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 34.5 FG%)
G- Mike Black (6.2 ppg, 1.8 apg, 1.6 rpg)

Key Reserves:
C- Brett Gifford (1.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 44.0 FG%)
F- Scotty McRae (5.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 33.6 FG%)
F- Jake Lindfors (3.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 29.5 FG%)
F- Will Harris (12.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 47.5 FG%)
G- Tim Ambrose (13.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg)
G- Derrek Tartt (1.9 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 36.6 FG%)

By the numbers:

Points Per Game:
UMBC- 62.4
Albany- 62.0

Points Allowed Per Game:
Albany- 69.0
UMBC- 73.9

Field Goal Percentage:
UMBC- 40.9%
Albany- 40.8%

Three-Point Percentage:
Albany- 32.3%
UMBC- 32.1%

Rebounding Margin:
Albany- +2.1
UMBC- -10.1

Turnover Margin:
UMBC- +1.21
Albany- -3.30

Assist-to-Turnover Ratio:
UMBC- 1.0
Albany- 0.7

As much as I try to, I still can’t explain Albany this season. There is no reason they should not be in contention for a regular season championship but for some reason they just aren’t. The original starting five are all coming off the bench now as coach Will Brown is in a youth movement and getting his young players ready for next season.

Both all-conference players from last season (Will Harris and Tim Ambrose) are coming off the bench with former starters Brett Gifford and Scotty McRae. Meanwhile, point guard Mike Johnson refused to enter the game against Boston U and has not seen time in three games.

With that said, the only current starter that is a true threat on the team is Mike Black, a freshman point guard who could contend for rookie of the year and has scored in double figures in his last three games. But still, the most dangerous players on Albany’s team are Ambrose and Harris. Even off the bench they are still the only guys with the ability to consistently score 25 points and carry their team to victory.

Again, there is no way to explain what is going on in Albany, they have one of the most talented rosters and one of the best coaches, but something just isn’t right and they are now last in the conference.

UMBC however is coming off a big win over Hartford and have two wins, and just a win and a win over New Hampshire away from seventh place in the conference (assuming New Hampshire does not win another conference game).

Chauncey Gilliam broke out of his slump in a big way with a career high 26 points while Chris De La Rosa has a stellar game as well. The team has been coming together all-season but were more unlucky that untalented. If they are getting luck on their side they could make a little run at the end of the season.

UMBC (2-22, 1-10):
F- Jake Wasco (2.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 42.6 FG%)
G- Adrian Satchell (6.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 52.0 FG%)
G- Matt Spadafora (7.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 spg)
G- Chauncey Gilliam (12.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.3 spg)
G- Chris De La Rosa (10.4 ppg, 5.2 apg, 2.7 rpg)

Key Reserves:
C- Robbie Jackson (9.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 48.9 FG%)
G- Brian Neller (4.4 ppg, 1.3 threes per game, 33.0 3-pt%)
G- Bakari Smith (1.1 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 36.4 FG%)
G- Shawn Grant (7.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 35.6 FG%)
G- Nick Groce (2.9 ppg, 1.3 apg, 38.5 FG%)

Hartford (7-16, 5-5):
F- Anthony Minor (2.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 65.1 FG%)
F- Joel Barker (9.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 46.4 FG%)
F- Morgan Sabia (12.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.4 three’s per game)
G- Joe Zeglinski (16.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.3 three’s per game)
G- Charles White (4.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.0 apg)

Key Reserves:
F- Kevin Estes (2.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 57.1 FG%)
F- Milton Burton (8.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg)
G- Andres Torres (7.7 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.1 rpg)
G- Clayton Brothers (2.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.3 apg)

By the numbers:

Points Per Game:
Hartford- 63.1
UMBC- 61.8

Points Allowed Per Game:
Hartford- 69.2
UMBC- 74.0

Field Goal Percentage:
Hartford- 41.3 FG%
UMBC- 40.9 FG%

Three-Point Percentage:
Hartford- 35.0 FG%
UMBC- 31.7 FG%

Rebounding Margin:
Hartford- -6.7
UMBC- -10.4

Turnover Margin:
Hartford- +2.22
UMBC- +1.21

Assist-to-Turnover Ratio:
UMBC- 1.0
Hartford- 1.0

I would not be shocked to see a change in the starting lineup for UMBC, especially since they are 2-22 and coming off a game where nothing went right.

If I were Monroe I would take Chauncey Gilliam out of the starting lineup, let him sit back a little and hope that helps him get out of his slump. He’s trying to hard because he is the “star” of the team and it just is not working for him. It is not completely his fault though. He is met with a double-team every time he touched the ball and that is just limiting his options.

In his place I would start Robbie Jackson. It is very rare to see both Jackson and Wasco on the floor at the same time, and that is because both get tired fast and the team would be left with a very small team out on the floor for several minutes. But hey, they’re 2-22, it can’t hurt. Putting both guys on the floor would give them a height advantage and that could possibly help on rebounds. When they are in without any other size helping them are pretty much just boxed out by two people and the other guys have to find a way to muscle their way or out-jump everybody for rebounds. That has not happened but putting in the two big men at the same time could help a little.

The last time these teams met Hartford just had a field day shooting the ball as Zeglinski and Sabia went off from three-point range.

I said it last time and I’ll say it again, they should let Zeglinski go. Nobody on UMBC can stop him so why should you waste your time trying? Usually, when Zeglinski shoots well the rest of the team shoots poorly. That could be for one of two reasons, they don’t think they need to hit every shot, or they are met with tougher defenders. If you put your worst defender on Zeglinski then Sabia is now in an even match with your best defender rather that outmatching your second best defender, and so on.

If Zeglinski can score 30 points then Hartford probably will win, but I don’t think he can really carry the team like that, he never has before. He’s always had a solid second option helping him whether it was Jaret Von Rosenberg or Michael Turner in the past, or Morgan Sabia this year.

But first thing is first, UMBC has to get confidence back. Right now they have none and I can’t blame them. They went out in all their games (aside from Maine) and gave it their all but only got two wins. That takes a toll at some point. But the season is not over. They are likely in the play in game but it would be nice to get some momentum going into it.

UMBC only has one game remaining that may be out of the question to win (Stony Brook) but even that game is at home. Is they can get a few wins, New Hampshire is facing the toughest end to conference play (Binghamton, at Vermont, Maine, UMBC, Stony Brook). It is not out of the question that that rematch against UMBC is a fight for seventh place and a spot out of the play in game.

The game will be televised on MASN and americaeast.tv at 7:00 p.m.

Chauncey Gilliam made his first basket of the game with less than a minute remaining in the game but still managed to score 10 points by going 8-of-9 from the free throw line.

With six minutes left in the game Maine built a 38 points lead but proceeded to put in player who rarely see the floor. UMBC cut their lead a little but the game was over at that point and both teams just started to use the game situation to prepare for their next game.

Pregame:
Sorry for my website being so off-schedule, but the snow has thrown me off my normal routine. However, here is the live blog.

Apparently Maine had to fly into New York and bus down to UMBC, we’ll see how this plays out.

Starters:

Maine-
C- Sean McNally
F- Murphy Burnatowski
G- Terrence Mitchell
G- Gerald McLemore
G- Junior Bernal

UMBC-
F- Jake Wasco
G- Adrian Satchell
G- Matt Spadafora
G- Chauncey Gilliam
G- Chris De La Rosa

First Half

15:35- 12-4 Maine
Maine has gone on a 12-0 run after UMBC got out to a great 4-0 start in which they hit their shots and drew chargers. But Maine has played a very good defense to stop that quickly

11:58- 15-7 Maine
UMBC has done well transitioning the defense to the 3-2 and have cut the Maine lead, but Maine is shooting 50% so far and Gerald McLemore has gone 2-for-2 from the three point line

9:17 22-9 Maine
Gerald McLemore hit his third three-pointer and UMBC cannot find an answer for him as he already has nine points. UMBC has also been out-rebounded 15-4 so far.

7:41- 25-11 Maine
UMBC just can’t get much going and are getting into the stages where the game may be over before half time unless they can figure something out. They are shooting just 28.6% and Maine is shooting 52.6%.

5:51- 25-15 Maine
UMBC has started to play better, they cut the rebounding deficit to 16-5 and are just a shot of two away from getting back into striking distance.

3:46- 30-17 Maine
Every time Maine has a bad play UMBC gives one up as well. Right now Matt Spadafora is the only player trying to create his own shot and until the other guys stop settling for what they are give the offense may not click a all.

2:22- 32-17 Maine
If UMBC can get a stop and hit a basket and wind up cutting the Maine lead to under to it will really help going into halftime, but UMBC has to step up the defensive intensity.

Halftime 34-21 Maine
UMBC cut the deficit to 13 but could not capitalize on free throws or easy jumpers. They can still come back but they have to come out with high intensity on the defensive end in order to do so.

Stats:

Maine-
Gerald McLemore- 12 points (4 three’s), 3 rebounds
Murphy Burnatowski- 9 points, 6 rebounds
Sean McNally- 5 points, 3 rebounds
Terrence Mitchell- 4 points, 5 assists
Junior Bernal- 2 points, 3 assists
Mike Allison- 2 points, 2 rebounds
Malachi Peay- 2 rebounds

UMBC-
Matt Spadafora- 8 points, 1 rebound
Robbie Jackson- 5 points, 3 rebounds
Jake Wasco- 4 points, 3 rebounds
Adrian Satchell- 2 points, 1 rebound
Shawn Grant- 2 points
Chris De La Rosa- 2 assists
Chauncey Gilliam- 4 rebounds
Nick Groce- 1 assist

Second Half:

16:42 42-23 Maine
UMBC has come out flat in the second half and have only scored two points and are shooting just 30.3% in the game.

15:54- 42-25 Maine
Matt Spadafora is the only player on UMBC that is getting anything done from outside. Robbie Jackson has chipped in seven point from under the basket but UMBC needs to find a third option.

12:05- 50-34 Maine
Jake Wasco has already fouled out of the game after being the only guy inside to box out and then he was forced to be the man to foul. Shawn Grant has hit the teams first three-pointer and Chris De La Rosa has hit a pair of mid-range jumpers but neither have done enough to be a third option in this game.

9:46- 60-36 Maine
Gerald McLemore may have just put UMBC away after hitting his seventh three pointer of the game. A 24 point deficit may be too much tom come back from with under 10 minutes to play but UMBC is not going to quit, though I’d expect the freshman to keep getting more playing time at this point.

7:07- 70-36 Maine
Chauncey Gilliam will have a chance to finally score in the game after the timeout but UMBC has come out this game completely empty and have gotten nothing done in the second half as they have been outscored 36-15 since halftime.

3:39- 78-45 Maine
Chauncey Gilliam finally got on the scoreboard and has gone 4-of-5 from the free throw line, but has still not hit a field goal and is 0-6 in the game. They say shooters shoot themselves out of a slump but with I would not be surprised to see him come of the bench next game.

Final- 84-63 Maine

Final Stats

Maine-
Gerald McLemore- 25 points (7 three’s), 4 rebounds
Sean McNally- 12 points, 8 rebound
Murphy Burnatowski- 11 points, 8 rebounds
Junior Bernal- 11 points, 8 rebounds
Troy Barnies- 6 points
Svetoslav Chetinov- 6 points, 1 rebound
Malachi Peay- 5 points, 5 rebounds
Terrence Mitchell- 4 points, 5 assists
Mike Allison- 4 points, 3 rebounds
Andrew Rogers- 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Jon McAllian- 1 assist

UMBC-
Matt Spadafora- 14 points, 1 rebound
Chris De La Rosa- 10 points, 9 rebounds
Chauncey Gilliam- 10 points (8 free throws), 5 rebounds
Robbie Jackson- 9 points, 5 rebounds
Brian Neller- 7 points, 1 rebounds
Shawn Grant- 5 points, 1 rebound
Jake Wasco- 4 points, 3 rebound
Adrian Satchell- 2 points, 2 rebounds
Nick Groce- 2 points, 1 assist