Bear Hunting: Vermont Looks to Make it 18 Straight vs. Maine

After a stunning loss to open conference play two weeks ago, Vermont (13-6, 3-1) has been absolutely locked in. Three blowout wins later, and the Catamounts are one of four teams on top of the America East standings with only one loss. Next up: the Maine Black Bears (6-13, 2-3). Vermont has dominated the team from the Pine Tree State recently, as UVM is in the midst of a 17-game winning streak against the Black Bears. But tonight’s contest features two teams who are heating up, as UVM has won three straight and Maine has won back-to-back home games.

Bench Mob Feeling It: During this three-game winning streak, the Vermont bench is starting to heat up. Against Hartford over the weekend, the Catamount reserves scored 35 points, the most from a UVM bench since Dec. 5, 2017. According to the UK’s “Express” publication, a park bench is most comfortable type of bench, as it has a 95-105-degree angle between the seat and the back.

Gone Streaking: Vermont’s 17-game winning streak vs. Maine (started in 2013) is the team’s longest active winning streak against a conference opponent. The man credited with beginning the trend of streaking at sporting events was Michael O’Brien in 1974. He took to the field – naked – at a rugby match in England (Rugby! Shout out Mr. Commenter).

International Flavor: A significant number of Maine’s players are actually from outside the USA. Four of Maine’s five probable starters are from different countries, and overall, the Black Bears have representatives from ten different countries, with Lebanon, Latvia, Ukraine, and England being represented as well. Each of those players have certainly gotten their Sky Miles in, and the team has as well. Back in December, Maine flew to Hawaii to face the Rainbow Warriors. I’m fairly certain that’s got to be the longest US to US trip in college basketball this season (5,147 miles).

Line: Vermont -15.5, O/U 132.5