America East tournament picks

QUARTERFINALS

1. Stony Brook vs. 8. Albany
Last year, as the No. 7 seed, Albany took down No. 2 Vermont in overtime in a memorable performance. Can the Great Danes turn the trick again? Stony Brook is in unfamiliar waters, the top seed, the hunted. Seawolves will be fine; they've got too many bullets for Albany to withstand over 40 minutes.
Stony Brook 74, Albany 61

No. 4 Boston U. vs. No. 5 Hartford
Terriers get the host Hawks because of Bingamton's decision to skip the party. This could be dicey for BU. The Terriers have a recent history of flameouts in the tourney and Hartford has a puncher's chance with "Mighty" Joe Zeglinski, Morgan Sabia and a decent supporting cast. If Joel Barkers has a big game, it could spell trouble for BU. If BU goes cold from deep, lookout below. I don't think BU's John Holland lets it happen again.
Boston U. 67, Hartford 62

No. 2 Vermont vs. No. 7 Maryland-Baltimore County
'Cats cruise here. There's just no way for UMBC. The Retrievers have some nice young players -- Chris De La Rosa, Chauncey Gilliam and Adrian Satchell -- but Vermont has America East's supreme commander in Marqus Blakely. His frontcourt mate, Evan Fjeld, is underrated.
Vermont 79, UMBC 55

No. 3 Maine vs. No. 6 New Hampshire
Black Bears defeated Wildcats by 14 and 19 during the regular season. Don't count on that happening here. After a lapse in the regul.ar-season finale at BU, Black Bears need to sharpen their defensive teeth and put the clamps on UNH. Wildcats have speedy Alvin Abreu, banger Dane DiLiegro and talented freshman Ferq Myrick. Like Stony Brook, UMaine finds itself in unfamiliar position of being a favorite to advance. They will, barely.
Maine 67, UNH 66 (overtime)

SEMIFINALS

Stony Brook vs. Boston U.
Can't wait to see this one. Best firepower in the league will be featured. Seawolves wield Muhammad El-Amin, Chris Martin, Bryan Dougher and irrepressible Tommy Brenton. Terriers counter with Holland, Corey Lowe, Jake O'Brien and Carlos Strong. I've got a feeling, it's going to be a good, good night ... for the Terriers.
Boston U. 74, Stony Brook 69

Vermont vs. Maine
Black Bears lost a close one at home to the Catamounts way back in early January. In Burlington, Bears dozed early, fought back, then faded. This game's in Hartford and will be tight all the way. Black Bears have something to prove to their northern neighbors. Blakely has had some huge games against Black Bears. Can UMaine keep Blakely and Fjeld from dominating the paint? UMaine will host its first America East championship game.
Maine 64, Vermont 63 (overtime)