The University of Maine basketball team fell in a close battle against Vermont on Thursday night, 67-62.
Both sides got in rhythm early on offense as each team was at 50 percent or better from the field in the first six minutes of action, led by Yanis Bamba and TJ Biel for the Black Bears, who each had five points.
Maine built up a lead in the first quarter as it got as high as six points on a Caleb Crawford three-pointer with a score of 24-18.
Vermont was able to jump in front heading into halftime by a score of 32-30.
Biel led the way with eight points while Crawford had six and Bamba had five.
Maine didn’t commit a turnover in the first half while forcing five out of Vermont.
The Black Bears opened up the second half on a 15-3 run to take a double-digit lead with 14 minutes to go in the half.
Vermont responded with a 14-1 to retake the lead with just under nine minutes to go in the half.
The Catamounts were able to hang out for the victory at 67-62.
Steele ended with a career-high 17 points on 66.7% shooting and 5-for-7 from the free throw line.
Biel ended with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Black Bears won the turnover battle 8-2.
The Black Bears (3-16) return to Orono to begin a three-game home stand on Monday, Jan. 19 as they take on UNH in the Buffalo Wild Wings Border Battle. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.