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The historic struggle of the University of Maine
For over 75 seasons, the University of Maine’s basketball team, the Black Bears, has faced a daunting challenge: qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. As one of only six Division I schools that has never made it to March Madness, the pressure is palpable as they prepare to face Bryant in the America East Championship.
This Saturday morning, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory would not only secure a spot in the tournament but also end a long-standing narrative of disappointment.
The matchup: Maine vs. Bryant
As the Black Bears gear up for this crucial game, they are up against a formidable opponent.
Bryant enters the contest as a 6.5-point favorite, boasting a strong season with a high-paced style of play. The Bulldogs rank seventh in KenPom’s Adjusted Tempo, averaging 75.5 possessions per game. For Maine to have any chance of pulling off an upset, they must disrupt Bryant’s rhythm and control the pace of the game.
This means slowing things down and limiting the number of possessions, a strategy that has proven effective against Bryant in their previous losses.
Breaking the streak: A recipe for success
The blueprint for an upset is clear. Maine’s recent performance has shown that they are capable of overcoming adversity.
After ending a 21-year, 18-game postseason losing streak earlier this month, the Black Bears are riding a wave of momentum. If they can maintain their composure and execute their game plan, they could very well punch their ticket to the Big Dance.
The excitement surrounding this game is palpable, as fans rally behind a team that embodies resilience and determination.
Betting on the underdog
For those looking to get in on the action, Fanatics Sportsbook is offering enticing promotions for new users.
With a $1,000 No Sweat First Bet sign-up bonus or a chance to bet $30 and receive $300 in bonus bets, there’s no better time to support the Black Bears. As they aim to rewrite their history, fans can join in on the excitement and potentially profit from this thrilling matchup.
As the clock ticks down to game time, all eyes will be on the University of Maine. Will they finally break their NCAA tournament drought? The answer lies in their hands, and the entire college basketball community is eager to find out.
