Black Bears Host Husson in Exhibition Matchup October 29
ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine menS basketball team will tip off its 2023-24 season with an exhibition game against Husson University on Sunday, October 29th, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The contest will provide fans their first look at a Black Bears squad coming off a historic 2022-23 campaign.
Maine basketball reached the America East Finals for the first time in two decades last season, concluding with a 20-14 overall record and a 10-6 mark in conference play.This year’s team features a blend of experienced returners and exciting new additions, aiming to build upon that success. The exhibition against Husson offers a valuable opportunity to gel before the start of regular-season competition.
The Black Bears boasted a strong defensive identity last season, ranking third in the America East by allowing just 66.1 points per game – a figure that placed them within the top-40 nationally. Offensively, they averaged 70.9 points per game, finishing fifth in the conference.key players returning to the court for Maine include senior forwards Keelan Steele and Killian Gribben, alongside junior guard Logan Carey.
Head Coach Richard Barron’s roster has been bolstered by several newcomers, including highly-touted freshman Ace Flagg from Greensboro Day School in North Carolina, along with Maine natives Emmitt Byther of Old Town and TJ Biel, a graduate transfer from Southeast Missouri State University. Senior additions Ryan Mabrey (Quinnipiac) and Mekhi Grey (UMass Lowell) are also expected to contribute.
Husson University enters the game as the reigning North Atlantic Conference (NAC) champions, having secured a bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament after a 21-8 season and a 12-1 conference record under Head Coach Warren Caruso.The Eagles will look to key returners Eric Ahlers, Andre McCauley, Tope Alao, Gil matondo, and Connor Heald to lead their attack.
Tip-off is scheduled for [Time to be determined] at the Cross Insurance Center. Students with a valid student ID will be admitted free of charge.
