The Binghamton Bearcats took the Maine Black Bears to overtime in Bangor, Maine Saturday afternoon but fell 81-79.  The win puts the Black Bears two games up on the Bearcats for the last playoff spot in the upcoming America East conference tournament.  It also gives Maine the series sweep after handing Binghamton a 76-73 loss at the Events Center on January 6th.

The Black Bears were making just 29 percent of their three-point shots this season, last in America East, but made 10 of 19 treys for 53 percent against the Bearcats.  Binghamton took 40 three-point shots and made 13 for 33 percent.

The Black Bears led 30-28 at the half.  They upped that lead to 10 points midway through the second half before the Bearcats made their surge to come back.  The teams were like heavyweight fighters trading potential knockout punches back and forth in the closing minutes as Binghamton slowly cut the lead down time and time again.

With just eight seconds left in regulation J.C. Show's missed layup was tipped in by Thomas Bruce to send the game into overtime.  In the extra five minute session the Black Bears made seven of eight free throws to win it. Down by two points with 10.9 seconds left the Bearcats forced the Black Bears into a five second violation on the in-bounds play following J.C.Show's three consecutive free throw conversions.  A pair of Farad Muhammad three-point shots missed the mark and preserved Maine's victory.

J.C, Show led Binghamton scorers with 23 point.  Thomas Bruce scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while Farad Muhammad notched 17 points for BU.  Isaiah Whte paced the Maine offense with 23 points.

Up next for the Bearcats is a home contest against the UMBC Retrievers on Thursday night.  Play begins at 7 PM at the Events Center with air at 645 on News Radio 1290 WNBF.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM