With Selection Sunday rapidly approaching, the America East Conference prepares to send its best team to the “Big Dance” of college basketball, March Madness. While the conference lacks the national recognition of powerhouses like the Big 12 or the SEC, the America East boasts a competitive field with several teams vying for a chance to make a deep run in the tournament.
Here, we delve into the top three contenders from the America East Conference who have their sights set on March Madness glory:
The Vermont Catamounts are synonymous with America East success. Boasting a conference-leading 22-5 record and currently ranked 54th in the NET rankings, the Catamounts are a well-oiled machine under Head Coach John Becker.
Their offensive attack is spearheaded by senior guard Aaron Burke, who averages 19.2 points per game and shoots a blistering 42.3% from three-point range. Alongside Burke, junior guard Robin Duncan chips in 15.4 points per game, providing a potent scoring duo.
Beyond their star guards, the Catamounts have a deep and balanced roster. Senior forward Ryan Greer provides a strong inside presence, averaging 8.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Junior guard Nick Lapham is another capable scorer, averaging 9.8 points per game and shooting 38.1% from three.
Defensively, Vermont excels in forcing turnovers and creating havoc for opposing offenses. They rank 28th nationally in steals per game (8.2) and boast a stingy defense that allows just 67.8 points per contest. Senior guard Matteo Picconi leads the team with 2.1 steals per game, while Burke and Duncan each average over 1.0 steals per game.
Their experience, coupled with their offensive and defensive prowess, makes the Catamounts the clear favorites to represent the America East in March Madness.
The UMBC Retrievers are no strangers to the national spotlight. In 2018, they captured the hearts of college basketball fans with their improbable upset of top-seeded Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Retrievers are once again a force to be reckoned with. They currently sit at 18-8 overall and boast a dynamic offense led by senior guard Darnell Rogers, who averages 21.5 points per game and shoots 38.7% from beyond the arc. Rogers is a dynamic scorer who can create his shot and get to the free-throw line. He also averages 4.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability to involve his teammates.
Alongside Rogers, sophomore guard Mateo Zastro provides another scoring threat, averaging 14.7 points per game and shooting 35.8% from three. Junior forward Brandon Martin is a force inside, averaging 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
While their defense isn’t as dominant as Vermont’s, the Retrievers possess a balanced attack and a knack for pulling off upsets, making them a dangerous team in March Madness. They rank 78th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 69.2 points per game. Senior forward Josh McNair anchors the defense with 2.0 blocks per game, while Rogers and Zastro each contribute over 1.0 steals per game.
The New Hampshire Wildcats are quietly putting together a strong season under first-year Head Coach Austin Carroll. They currently hold a 17-9 record and are ranked 68th in the NET rankings, putting them firmly on the bubble for an at-large bid.
Their offense is fueled by the inside-out duo of senior forward Malik Weathers (16.2 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game) and sophomore guard Logan Landers (15.8 points per game, 3.8 assists per game). Weathers is a physical presence down low, using his size and strength to score in the paint and rebound effectively. Landers is a shifty guard who can create his shot and distribute the ball to his teammates.
Rounding out the Wildcats’ core is junior forward Jayden Martinez, who averages 11.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He provides another scoring option and brings energy on both ends of the court.
Defensively, the Wildcats are a work in progress, ranking 122nd nationally in scoring defense (72.8 points per game). However, they have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, holding opponents to under 70 points on five occasions. Sophomore guard Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 1.7 steals per game, while Weathers and Martinez each contribute over 0.5 blocks per game.
While Vermont, UMBC, and New Hampshire are the frontrunners, other teams like Albany (16-10) and Stony Brook (15-12) possess the talent to make noise in the conference tournament and potentially sneak into the NCAA Tournament field.
The Great Danes of Albany are led by senior guard Justin Sutherland, who averages 18.7 points per game and shoots 40.2% from three-point range. They boast a strong defense, ranking 65th nationally in scoring defense (68.5 points per game).
The Seawolves of Stony Brook are a well-rounded team with a balanced scoring attack. Senior forward Juan Felix leads the way with 15.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while junior guard Tyler Burton-Jones chips in 14.2 points per game.
The America East Conference, despite its lack of national recognition, consistently produces competitive teams ready to challenge for March Madness glory. With Selection Sunday approaching, college basketball fans should keep a close eye on these top contenders from the “Little Three” conference. As these teams battle it out for conference supremacy and a chance to dance in March, they have the potential to capture the national spotlight and provide unforgettable moments in the NCAA Tournament.
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In conclusion, the America East Conference, often overshadowed by bigger conferences, offers a captivating race for March Madness. While the Vermont Catamounts stand as the clear favorites with their potent offense and stingy defense, the UMBC Retrievers and New Hampshire Wildcats possess the firepower to challenge.
Beyond these top contenders, teams like Albany and Stony Brook lurk, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. Regardless of who emerges from the conference tournament, the America East promises an exciting display of basketball as these teams strive to etch their names in March Madness history. So, prepare to be captivated by the underdogs, the upsets, and the thrilling journey to the Big Dance from the “Little Three” conference.
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