Vermont Pulls Away From UMBC 85-72
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Candon Rusin scored 18 points and three others hit double figures to help Vermont beat Maryland-Baltimore County 85-72 Sunday and advance to its third America East Conference championship game in four years.
Luke Apfeld and Ethan O'Day added 16 points apiece and Clancy Rugg chipped in 11 for the Catamounts (21-10), who trailed 40-37 at intermission.
UMBC (8-23) pushed its lead to 50-42 5 minutes into the second half. But Rusin followed a 3-pointer with a four-point play, and Apfeld converted a three-point play to give Vermont the lead for good, 52-50.
The Catamounts, defending AEC champions, never trailed from there, making 10 of 20 shots and 11 free throws over the final 11 minutes.
Ryan Cook scored 20 points and Chase Plummer and Joey Getz each had 11 for the Retrivers, who shot 45 percent (23 of 51) but committed 17 turnovers.
Vermont dished 16 assists to 10 turnovers.
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