When the University of Maryland-Baltimore County men’s basketball team hosted New Hampshire a year ago, it represented the low point of the season. Following a lackluster performance, Retrievers coach Randy Monroe grew so frustrated with his team’s effort, he locked them out of their own locker room.
UMBC appeared headed in a similar direction Thursday against New Hampshire, as the Retrievers shot just 28 percent from the field, did not attempt any free throws and trailed, 23-14, at halftime. But the players apparently remembered what happened last year and were determined not to feel their coach’s wrath again.
UMBC shot 54.2 percent in the second half and came away with a 45-44 victory thanks to a game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds by senior guard Chris Pugh.
UMBC needed the victory, having lost four of their previous five games after starting the conference schedule 2-0. The Retrievers (8-13, 4-4 America East Conference) return to action Sunday afternoon when they host conference rival Binghamton (9-11, 2-6).
“Despite the score and the way we shot the ball in the first half, I was much more pleased with our effort against New Hampshire than I was in last year’s game,” Monroe said. “The defensive effort was there, and the guys settled down and we were very effort inside.”
Senior forward Mike Housman helped keep UMBC in the game, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Thomas Young had nine points and 10 rebounds, while Pugh added nine points, five rebounds and two steals.
UMBC NOTES
» Thursday’s 45-44 victory over New Hampshire marks UMBC’s first victory over the Wildcats at RAC Arena. New Hampshire had been the only America East team the Retrievers hadn’t beaten at home.
» UMBC entered the weekend tied for fourth in the conference standings. The Retrievers, along with Maine and New Hampshire, are all 4-4 in league play. Vermont is currently in first place at 6-1, a half-game ahead of Albany.
