The America East championship game brings together two of the conference’s most consistent programs as the Vermont Catamounts and UMBC Retrievers on Saturday morning in Baltimore. With an automatic NCAA Tournament berth on the line, the stakes could not be higher for both sides. Vermont has been a regular contender in this league for years, but arrives as a slight underdog against a UMBC team that is the top seed in the league this year. Before tip-off in the America East title game, continue reading to get my Vermont vs UMBC prediction.
UMBC enters the title game riding a remarkable 10-game winning streak, including several decisive victories in the conference tournament. The Retrievers have been explosive on offense during this run, scoring 84 points or more in four of their last five outings. Their most recent win was a 91-69 result over UMass Lowell, showing how dangerous the offense can be when perimeter shots fall.
Vermont arrives in excellent form as well, winning five straight games heading into the championship. The Catamounts have leaned on defense during that stretch, allowing fewer than 65 points in each of those victories. Their semifinal performance against NJIT demonstrated that formula again, as they limited the Highlanders to 54 points.
The teams split two regular-season meetings. Vermont took a 64-55 win earlier in the season, while UMBC answered with a convincing 75-62 victory in February. The home team won each of those games, which could work in UMBC's favor as they are the home team in this rubber match.
Selfishly, this is one of my favorite events on the sports calendar every year. I went to an America East school and went to Vermont to watch my UAlbany Great Danes win on the road in the 2013 America East title game to punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. The intensity in these small gyms in the only game that can earn teams from this conference a spot in the NCAA Tournament is such a unique feeling, and enjoying that intensity every year is a real treat. This game will come down to which team does the best job of handling that pressure.
UMBC Retrievers
Vermont Catamounts
Stat | Vermont | UMBC |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 73.8 | 76.3 |
Points allowed per game | 68.4 | 67.3 |
Team Field Goal % | 46% | 47% |
Rebounds Per Game | 34.9 | 35.6 |
Assists Per Game | 12.9 | 12.4 |
Vermont’s defense has carried the team through the tournament, while UMBC has relied on efficient offense and strong guard play. The Retrievers also have the benefit of playing at home, which historically matters in conference tournament finals in this league, where travel and crowd support can influence the flow of the game.
The earlier February meeting between these teams revealed an important edge for UMBC. Their guards consistently broke down Vermont’s defensive structure, leading to open shots and transition opportunities. If Jah’Likai King and Ace Valentine produce similar performances, the Retrievers should again generate enough offense.
I am going to lay the points with UMBC. Enjoy one of the most fun traditions in college basketball, as the only college basketball conference title game that tips off before noon is almost upon us again.
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