WATERVILLE, ME
Having just won in dramatic fashion the day before, the 2024-25 UMPI Men's Basketball Team entered the final day of their regular season locked into the number two seed in the NAC East. Despite the lack of playoff implications, the Owls still had a good reason to fight. With a win, they'd set the record for most wins in a season in UMPI Men's Basketball history. A win would also be Coach Dan Kane's 100th career victory alongside his assistant, Mark Knight. With records on the line, in addition to wanting to end the season on a good competitive note, UMPI delivered.
How it Happened:
It would not be an easy feat, as the Terriers who were eliminated from playoff contention, were determined to play spoiler on their senior day. Thomas got off to an early lead as they made shots while UMPI missed, and found themselves up by double digits, 29-19 with less than eight minutes in the first half. They grew it to 11 with 2:49 left, before UMPI responded nicely with an 8-0 run to end the half, giving the Terriers just a three-point lead at the break.
In the early second half, the Owls showcased why they are the highest scoring team in the conference as they completely flipped the script and took control of the game. Thomas never let it get away from them completely however, and UMPI found themselves up by 10 at 78-68 with 7:16 to play.
The determined Terriers wouldn't go down without a fight. With the Owls up 84-76 with 2:28 to go, the home crowd got back into as Thomas made a very quick 4-0 run. After a big and-one, it was a one-point came before anyone could realize it.
The Owls have become very comfortable in late game scenarios. Situational basketball proved huge as they took a long possession taking off precious seconds, and scored to go up by three again. They also made their free throws when they needed to. This turned out to be the difference as a late three-point bid to tie it fell short.
Top Performers:
UMPI was led by senior Gilbert Jean Mendez who went off for 26 points. This mark was a season high as the UMPI Iron-Man played all 40 minutes, shooting 10-15 from the floor and 4-8 from three-point range. He also grabbed eight rebounds to help lead UMPI on the glass again. Saquan Carswell had 16 points and eight rebounds, going 7-8 from the field and the UMPI big-man knocked down a trey as well. James Yamashita had a great day off the bench turning in a season high 14 points on four three-pointers. Charlie Mellick made a spot start for UMPI and played 35 strong minutes, scoring 12 points with a pair of threes.
Next Up:
UMPI improves to 20-5 overall and finish at 10-3 in North Atlantic Conference play as they earn the number two seed going into the postseason. Their exact opponent is yet to be announced but the NAC East tournament will be hosted by Husson University in Bangor and will begin on Friday, February 21st.
