Bryant basketball punches ticket to NCAA Tournament March Madness

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WATCH: Bryant basketball celebrates conference championship

The Bryant Bulldogs men’s basketball team beat Maine in a dominant 77-59 victory on Saturday to claim the America East title, and an NCAA tourney bid.

The Bryant Bulldogs defeated the Maine Black Bears 77-59 to win the America East Conference Championship.The Bulldogs, led by coach Phil Martelli Jr., dominated the Black Bears throughout the game, leading by as many as 21 points.This is Bryant’s second NCAA Tournament appearance in four years and they will find out their opponent on Selection Sunday.

SMITHFIELD — “We want to be the state’s team,” Phil Martelli Jr. said at a recent Bryant men’s basketball media availability.  

And now, after Saturday’s brunch meeting with Maine, his program will carry the college basketball flag for Rhode Island into this next edition of March Madness. 

The Bulldogs earned their second NCAA Tournament berth in four years thanks to what has developed into typical dominance against their America East peers. The Black Bears were no match for the hosts at a sold-out Chace Athletic Center, brushed aside in a 77-59 thumping. 

Bryant won all three games in this conference tournament by double figures, defending its top seed on its home floor over the last week. The Bulldogs declined to cut down the nets after clinching a regular season crown with a blowout of New Hampshire. There were no limits on the celebration this time.  

Maine fell into a 21-point hole before turning loose a desperation press, a defensive change that sparked an 8-0 run. Earl Timberlake’s three-point play on a drive down the left and a Barry Evans 3-pointer from the right wing restored order, giving Bryant a 67-50 cushion with 4:51 left. There wasn’t much to do from there but wait for some ladders and scissors to make their appearance. 

Connor Withers celebrates with Phil Martelli, the father of Bryant’s coach

Longtime college basketball coach Phil Martelli, father Bryant coach Phil Martelli Jr., joins…

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Publish date : 2025-03-15 16:57:00

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