by US Fed News

The UMBC men's basketball team's dream of a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and the brilliant careers of seniors Jay Greene and Darryl Proctor came to a close, as host Binghamton edged the Retrievers, 61-51, in the America East championship game. Greene departs as the program's all-time assists leader and in third place in America East Conference history in assists with 683. In his final game, Proctor recorded his 13th double-double of the season and 42nd of his career with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Both were named to the All Championship team for the second consecutive year.

Sophomore reserve forward Rich Flemming led the Retrievers with a career-high 14 points and posted his first career double-double with 11 caroms. The Retrievers fell behind, 43-29 early in the second half and still trailed, 56-47 with 8:16 remaining when the visitors defense stiffened. Binghamton would not score a field goal in the final 8:16, but UMBC could not get over the hump to get within six points down the stretch. Freshman wing Chauncey Gilliam hit a pair of free throws to trim the UMBC deficit to 57-51 with 4:49 remaining. UMBC had no less than six possessions to get within scaring distance, but missed three shots and committed three turnovers.Senior forward Reggie Fuller, hit two free throws with 55 seconds left and Malik Alvin hit a pair with 40 seconds remaining to complete the scoring. Fuller led all scorers with 19 points as Binghamton will compete in its first NCAA Tournament. UMBC entered the game with the nation's fewest turnovers per game (9.6), but the Bearcats forced 12 first half miscues. UMBC hit 12 of 26 shots from the floor and outrebounded Binghamton, 19-13, but trailed 36-27 at intermission. The Bearcats scored the final seven points of the half, capped by Tiki Mayben's three-point field goal with three seconds remaining. Gilliam also scored in double figures for UMBC with 10 points. Greene finished with seven points and four assists. The Retrievers committed 17 turnovers and shot just 37.9% from the floor. Proctor scored the most career points of any player to wear a UMBC uniform, finishing with 1,937 and he also garnered 993 rebounds. He scored in double figures in his final 40 career games, nearly tripling the previous record. In addition to his assist and scoring marks (1,186 points, 12th al-time) Greene played the most games (122) and minutes (4,193) in school history.For more information please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

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