Evans powers Bryant to AE Tournament title

Mar 15, 2025, 01:36 PM ET

SMITHFIELD, R.I.– Barry Evans scored 19 points, Earl Timberlake included 17 and top-seeded Bryant travelled to the America East champion, defeating No. 3-seed Maine 77-59 on Saturday.The Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second time, having made their other trip when they won the Northeast Conference in 2022. Bryant led by 11 points at halftime and preserved control through the very first 11 minutes of the second half, outscoring Maine 23-13. Evans hit a 3-pointer for a 19-point lead and his layup on Bryant’s following ownership made it 61-40 with nine minutes remaining.The Bulldogs then went cold for numerous minutes. They had four missed shots and three turnovers

before Timberlake converted a three-point play with about 5 minutes left and another Evans 3-pointer on the next belongings made it 67-50. A 3-pointer from Connor Withers made it 75-54 with 1:23 remaining.Evans made 8 of 11 shots, including both of his 3-point attempts, and got 7 rebounds. Timberlake, the America East Player of the Year, had 4 rebounds, 5 assists and four takes. He also blocked 2 shots.Rafael Pinzon included 13 points and Keyshawn Mitchell 12 for Bryant (23-11). AJ Lopez scored 20 points and Kellen Tynes had 10 for the

Black Bears(20-14). Bryant never ever trailed in the very first half and there were only 2 ties, the last at 8-8. Bryant led 20-16 before Mitchell scored four points and Evans added a dunk to provide the Bulldogs a 28-18 lead. Later on, Timberlake hit a jumper with 2 seconds staying and Bryant led 38-27 at halftime.The Bulldogs enhanced to 9-3 on their homecourt in the postseason.