The University of Maine men’s and women’s basketball teams were both picked to finish second in the America East Conference preseason coaches poll released Monday.
### Men’s Basketball
The men’s team finished tied for second with Albany, earning 47 points and receiving one first-place vote. Vermont secured first place in the voting with 63 points and seven first-place votes. Last season, Vermont lost to Maine 57-42 in the conference tournament semifinal.
The Black Bears had a strong campaign last year, reaching the America East final for the first time in 20 years before losing to Bryant. They posted a 20-14 overall record and went 10-6 in conference play.
The team’s roster includes Ace Flagg of Newport, twin brother of Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg. Together, the Flagg brothers helped Nokomis win the Class A state championship as freshmen in 2022.
### Women’s Basketball
The Maine women received two first-place votes and accumulated 55 points, finishing behind Vermont, which led with 63 points and seven first-place votes.
Maine forward Adrianna Smith was named to the preseason all-conference team. Smith, who was the conference player of the year in 2023 and a two-time first-team all-conference selection, missed the entire last season due to a knee injury sustained during preseason practice.
The Black Bears finished last season with a 15-16 overall record and 9-7 in the conference. They return two starters: Asta Blauenfeldt and Sarah Talon of Windham. Blauenfeldt started 31 games last season, averaging 9.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Talon played in 29 games, starting 11, and averaged 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.
Both teams look poised to build on last season’s success as they prepare for the upcoming America East Conference competitions.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/20/umaine-mens-womens-basketball-teams-picked-second-in-conference/
