Concord, NH – The UMA men's basketball team entered the second day of tournament play by narrowly beating Springfield Technical Community College 89-88. With the victory, the Moose improve to 5-7 overall for the 2017-2018 season.
Both teams got off to a slow offensive start with Springfield Tech getting on the score board first. The Moose answered back and midway through the first half took the lead with a jump shot from Quinn Mitchell II. UMA continued to work on stretching the lead and went up by as much 7 points in the first half. The Moose capitalized on their inside game and made Springfield Tech pay at the foul line.
Springfield Tech fought back tying things up at 29-29 with 3:43 left in the first half but the Moose answered back taking the leading going into the half, 37-34.
It was a back and forth battle in the second half of play with UMA fighting to hold onto a narrow lead through most of it. The Moose went 10-10 from the line in the final minute of play to secure the win.
The Moose saw strong play from its starters: Dustin Simpson-Bragg 21 points and 9 rebounds, Jordan Holmes 26 points and 4 rebounds, and Quinn Mitchell II 20 points and 7 rebounds. Israel Brown had another strong performance netting 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
Quinn Mitchell II and Israel Brown were recognized for their standout play throughout the tournament. Both were named to the NHTI Holiday Inn New Year's Basketball Classic All Classic Team.
The Moose host Paul Smith College at SMCC in South Portland on January 11th at 6PM.