When the University of Maine knocked off Albany three weeks ago, fans began to seriously imagine the possibilities.
They knew that if the Black Bears win out, UMaine would not only claim the America East regular-season title, but would have the potential to control its own destiny and play a conference championship game on its home court.
On Sunday afternoon that scenario moved a step closer to reality.
Coach Richard Barron’s team (21-6, 13-1 AE) has ascended to the top of the America East standings. The Black Bears’ road wins at Vermont and Binghamton, coupled with Stony Brook’s victory over Albany on Sunday, has put UMaine in the driver’s seat.
“It was a good win for Stony Brook and obviously has big implications for us,” Barron said on Monday.
“The good thing is that we control our own destiny,” he added.
The Black Bears can clinch at least a share of the America East regular-season crown and lock up the No. 1 tournament seed with a win over Maryland Baltimore County on Thursday night. That, and a win by Stony Brook over Binghamton, would give UMaine the title outright.
Junior Liz Wood explained that team members are working to keep their streak going heading down the stretch.
“I think it really just helps us sharpen our mindset,” she said. “We’ve got to approach this week with the most focus we’ve had all season.”
UMaine’s 7 p.m. home game at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Thursday is being touted as “Beach Night,” where fans will be encouraged to dress in summer attire. Lone senior Courtney Anderson of Greene also will be recognized for her contributions.
“Our next game is the most important because it decides so much as far as postseason goes,” Wood said. “I think we’re really focused and excited about the opportunity we have coming up the next few games.”
Rest assured, Barron isn’t about to allow his players to overthink the situation or look past either of its last two opponents.
“It really doesn’t change anything. We still need to win out,” he said of the team’s approach. “That was our goal before.
Even if the Black Bears lose to UMBC, they could claim a share of the title and the No. 1 seed with a victory in Sunday’s regular-season finale at New Hampshire.
UMaine owns the tiebreaker against Albany by virtue of its sweep against Stony Brook, since the Great Danes were 1-1 against the Seawolves. However, things could get complicated.
The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the America East Women’s Basketball Championship will be played March 7-8 at The Events Center on the campus of Binghamton University in Vestal, New York.
If the Black Bears go in No. 1, they would match up with the No. 8 seed, which will be either host Binghamton or Vermont.
Securing the top seed also likely would take UMaine out of the bracket involving the two other top contenders — three-time defending champion Albany and Stony Brook — which are now second and third, respectively.
If UMaine is the top seed and prevails in its quarterfinal and semifinal contests, the league championship game would be played Friday, March 13, at the Cross Insurance Center — on national TV (ESPNU).
Anything could happen in the meantime, but UMaine and its fans should enjoy entertaining the thought.
It has been 10 years since a UMaine women’s basketball team has been in a similar position.
The 2004-05 squad coached by Sharon Versyp went 20-10 and was the last UMaine regular-season champ, but was upset by No. 8 Boston University in the quarterfinals.
This season’s UMaine team already has matched its win total from the previous two seasons combined.
The beat goes on
UMaine’s 70-56 win at Binghamton on Saturday has put the team in position to achieve a program first.
The Black Bears have won 13 consecutive games dating back to a 57-55 loss at Yale on Jan. 7. A victory against UMBC on Thursday would give this team the longest winning streak since the 2003-2004 squad won 15 straight.
The 2002-2003 team won 21 in a row.
UMaine also could potentially reach or exceed the school record for victories (25), set by the 2003-04 ballclub that was the last to play in the NCAA tournament (a 60-50 loss to Texas Tech at Missoula, Montana).
The Black Bears have limited 16 straight opponents to fewer than 60 points and lead the conference in scoring defense, allowing only 53.1 points per game.