Pinzon’s 28 Points Propel Bryant to Win, Secures Title Share

ORONO, Maine — A standout performance from Rafael Pinzon, with 28 points, propelled Bryant University to an 80-72 victory over the University of Maine on Saturday. This win secured Bryant at least a share of the America East Conference regular-season title.

The Bulldogs, now holding a 19-11 overall record and 13-2 in conference play, have taken a one-game lead over Vermont, their nearest competitors, with only one game left in the season. The season’s encounters between Bryant and Vermont have been evenly split.

Pinzon’s impressive display included making 9 out of 20 shots from the field and sinking 6 of 14 attempts from beyond the arc. He successfully converted all four free-throw attempts. Earl Timberlake also contributed significantly for the Bulldogs, scoring 15 points on an efficient 5 of 7 shooting from the field and 5 of 8 from the free-throw line, while also recording five rebounds and six assists. Barry Evans rounded off the top scorers for Bryant by contributing 14 points, shooting 6 of 12 from the field and connecting on 2 of 4 free throws.

For Maine, Quion Burns had a strong game, finishing with 15 points and grabbing six rebounds. Kellen Tynes matched Burns’ scoring with 15 points, while AJ Lopez chipped in with 14 points for the Black Bears, who now have a 17-13 overall record and a 9-6 in conference.

Both teams are set to conclude their regular season campaigns on Tuesday. Bryant will face off against New Hampshire at home, while Maine will host UMass-Lowell.