Vermont Catamounts Face UMBC Retrievers in America East Championship

Top-ranked UMBC takes on No. 2 Vermont in a defensive battle for the conference title

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:09pm

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The top-ranked UMBC Retrievers will face the No. 2 Vermont Catamounts in the America East Conference championship game on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The two teams have split their previous two matchups this season, with each game being a defensive slugfest. Experts are predicting another low-scoring affair, with the Under 137 being the best bet.

Why it matters

This game will determine the America East Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Both teams have been dominant on the defensive end this season, making this a highly anticipated matchup between the conference's top two squads.

The details

UMBC has won 11 games in a row and hasn't lost since a 64-55 defeat against Vermont on January 29. The Catamounts have eight wins in their last nine games, with their only loss coming against the Retrievers in a 75-62 game on February 19. The Under has gone 7-2-1 in the last 10 head-to-head matchups between these two teams, and both teams rank among the top defensive units in the America East Conference.

  • Vermont and UMBC split their two regular-season meetings.
  • UMBC's last loss was a 64-55 defeat against Vermont on January 29.
  • Vermont's only loss in their last nine games was a 75-62 defeat against UMBC on February 19.

The players

UMBC Retrievers

The top-ranked team in the America East Conference, known for their stifling defense that allows just 67.3 points per game.

Vermont Catamounts

The No. 2 team in the America East Conference, with a defense that allows 68.4 points per game, the second-best in the conference.

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What’s next

The winner of this game will earn the America East Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between the top two teams in the America East Conference promises to be a defensive battle, with the Under 137 being the best bet. Both teams have been dominant on the defensive end, making this a highly anticipated championship game.