We're No. 3

UMaine clinched no worse than the No. 3 seed for the upcoming America East tournament with its 70-53 thrashing of New Hampshire in Durham last night.

The win snapped a six-game slide (five of them AE games) that saw the Black Bears tumble from solo first place.

UMaine seemed to regain its defensive bearings a little last night and never trailed the Wildcats in front of the largest crowd I've ever seen at Lundholm Gym. And I've been going to games in Durham for quite a few years now.

After a couple early tie scores, 10-10 and 12-12 if I recall correctly, UMaine took the big crowd out of the game and sent many of the Wildcat faithful home early.

There's a chance the Black Bears could climb to No. 2 spot in the conference standings. For that to happen, Boston U. would have to lose its final two games. Right now, it appears as if it'll be the No. 3 seed for the second consecutive year.

If the tournament started today, UMaine would open with host school Hartford. The Black Bears were swept by the Hawks in the regular season.