The University of Maine men’s basketball team faced a challenging opener against the #7 ranked Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium, resulting in a 96-62 loss. Despite the score, Maine showcased moments of resilience and determination throughout the match.
The game started competitively, with Maine tying the score at 6-6 early on. The Black Bears then rallied with a 9-0 scoring run, narrowing the gap to 26-18 midway through the first half. As the teams went into halftime, Maine was only down by 11 points, with a score of 44-33, indicating their competitiveness in a tough environment.
Keelan Steele stood out for the Black Bears, contributing eight points and showing effective play in limited minutes. Quion Burns led the team with 15 points, marking his performance as one of his best as a Black Bear, along with five rebounds. The team also saw contributions from Jaden Clayton and Christopher Mantis, who each added essential points to the scoreboard.
In the second half, Maine maintained momentum in the early minutes but eventually succumbed to the Blue Devils’ strength, allowing Duke to extend their lead.
Looking ahead, the Black Bears will have the opportunity to regroup and improve as they host the University of Maine at Fort Kent on November 6 at 6 P.M. This upcoming match presents a valuable chance for Maine to build on their experiences from this game and strive for a stronger performance.
This game serves as an important stepping stone for the team, showing that despite the loss to a powerhouse like Duke, there are clear areas of potential to develop as the season progresses. With a positive outlook, the Black Bears will aim to harness their strengths in future games.