FARMINGTON, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington men's basketball team grinded out a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle against the visiting SUNY Delhi Broncos on Monday evening at Dearborn Gymnasium. The Beavers came away with a 56-50 victory, securing an important North Atlantic Conference (NAC) win.
The Records:
Farmington improved to 6-7 overall this season, with a 3-1 record in NAC play. The win marks the Beavers' fifth victory in their last seven games. The Broncos fell to 5-9 overall and suffered their first NAC loss of the season, dropping to 2-1 in conference play.
How It Happened:
Monday night's game had a playoff-like intensity, with every possession feeling crucial. Given the low-scoring nature of the contest, even a five-point lead felt like a double-digit margin, making every basket significant.
Farmington came out strong, scoring the game's first seven points on layups from Brock Flagg (Brewer, Maine) and Will Harriman (Biddeford, Maine), plus a three-pointer from Dylan Griffin (Saco, Maine).
Delhi responded by outscoring the Beavers 12-5 over the next three minutes. Lester McCarthy contributed ten of the Broncos' 12 points during the run, hitting two three-pointers, a jumper in the lane, and a pair of free throws to tie the game at 12 with 14:35 left in the first half.
The teams traded baskets for several minutes before Abdul-Jaleel Ibrahim hit a three to give the Broncos their biggest lead of the half, 26-21, with just over five minutes to play.
Delhi held a slight 28-26 advantage heading into the second half. The game remained tight throughout, with neither team able to stretch its lead beyond four points.
As the game progressed, the physicality increased. After a free throw from Isiah Barnes tied the game at 43 with 8:30 remaining, Farmington responded with a 9-0 run over the next three and a half minutes to take a nine-point lead—the largest of the game for either team. Griffin and Gabe Michaud (Gorham, Maine) each contributed key baskets, Harriman added two free throws, and reigning NAC Player of the Week Simon Chadbourne (Portland, Maine) capped the run with a deep three-pointer.
Barnes hit a bucket and Ibrahim connected on a three to cut the Beavers' lead to four with four minutes left, but that was as close as the Broncos would get. Farmington's defense held firm, forcing Delhi to miss its final five shots to seal the win.
Stats of the Game:
Farmington shot a respectable 46.2% (24-for-52) from the floor but struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 20.8% (5-for-24) of their three-point attempts. Delhi was held to 34.5% (19-for-55) shooting overall, including just 26.3% (5-for-19) from deep. Farmington forced 14 Delhi turnovers and capitalized, converting them into 16 points. The Beavers also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Broncos 38-16 in that area. The rebounding battle was close, with Farmington holding a slight 33-32 edge.
Leaders – Farmington:
- Dylan Griffin led the way with a game-high 18 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
- Will Harriman contributed 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, along with five rebounds.
- Brock Flagg finished with 11 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting performance.
Leaders – Delhi:
- Isiah Barnes scored a team-high 11 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
- After a strong start, Lester McCarthy was held scoreless for the remainder of the game, finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
UP NEXT:
Farmington will look to extend its winning streak to three games tomorrow evening when SUNY Cobleskill visits Dearborn Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.
