BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — In an exciting contest on Saturday, the Binghamton Bearcats triumphed over the UMBC Retrievers with a final score of 87-82, marking the opening game of the America East Conference for both teams.

Chris Walker was instrumental in the victory, scoring 21 points, while Gavin Walsh made a significant contribution with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Walker also added five rebounds to his impressive performance, helping the Bearcats improve their season record to 9-7 and claim the first victory in conference play at 1-0.

In addition to Walker and Walsh, Binghamton had strong performances from Wes Peterson and Nehemiah Benson, who both scored 14 points. Tymu Chenery also played a role in the team’s success, adding 10 points to the scoreboard.

On the other side, the UMBC Retrievers, now at 8-8 overall and 0-1 in conference play, saw Bryce Johnson lead the team with 23 points. His efforts were complemented by Marcus Banks, who contributed 17 points, and Marlon Short, who chipped in with 13 points.

This thrilling match served as a strong start for both teams in their conference journey, showcasing notable talent and competitive spirit on the court.