As the clock ticked down on the UMBC men's basketball team's 65-56 victory against Vermont Feb. 21, one thing became abundantly clear: A second consecutive America East championship for the Retrievers is very much in play.
UMBC has won nine of its last 10 games and sits in second place in the America East at 10-3 with three regular-season games remaining. The Retrievers have won both meetings with first-place Vermont (11-2) this season and have beaten the Catamounts three straight times dating back to last year.
UMBC is pursuing its first America East regular-season title since the 2007-08 season. But more importantly, the Retrievers are well positioned to make a run in the America East tournament, the winner of which earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. UMBC has already clinched a home quarterfinal game.
