The Thrilling 2025 America East Tournament
The 2025 America East tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with eight of the league’s nine teams vying for the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Unlike the typical format of hosting all games at a neutral site, this tournament is played at campus sites, giving higher-seeded teams the home-court advantage. This unique setup adds an extra layer of intensity and drama to each matchup, as the stakes are higher and the atmosphere more electric. Teams and their fans will experience the excitement of home games, making every contest a memorable event. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, March 8, and concludes with the championship game on Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. ET, broadcast nationwide on ESPN2.
Bryant Bulldogs: Regular-Season Champions and Tournament Favorites
Bryant University has secured the America East regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the 2025 Jersey Mike’s America East Men’s Basketball Playoffs. The Bulldogs, led by standout performers Keyshawn Mitchell and Rafael Pinzon, have been a force to reckon with all season. Mitchell’s scoring prowess and Pinzon’s versatile playmaking have been instrumental in Bryant’s success. The team will host No. 8 UMBC in the quarterfinals on March 8, and they are confident in their ability to continue their winning streak. Home-court advantage will be crucial for Bryant, as it can provide the extra push needed to advance through the tournament and claim the ultimate prize.
Vermont Catamounts: A Formidable Contender with a Winning Tradition
The No. 2 seed Vermont Catamounts (20-11, 13-3) enter the America East tournament riding a nine-game winning streak. However, for the first time since the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, they are not the top seed. This marks the first time since 2016 that Vermont has failed to claim at least a share of the regular-season crown. Despite this, the Catamounts remain a formidable contender with a strong postseason pedigree under coach John Becker. Vermont has earned NCAA Tournament berths in 2012, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024 during Becker’s 14-year tenure in Burlington. The team’s experience and resilience make them a tough opponent for any team in the tournament, and they will be eager to reclaim their spot at the top.
Maine Black Bears: A Resilient and Determined Squad
The Maine Black Bears, seeded third with a record of 10-6 in the America East and 18-13 overall, have shown their resilience and determination throughout the season. They will host No. 6 UMass Lowell in the quarterfinals on March 8 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Maine’s balanced offense and solid defense have been key factors in their success. The Black Bears are known for their ability to grind out tough wins, and they will rely on this strength as they face the Red Hawks. A win in the quarterfinals would set the stage for a potential semifinal matchup against higher-seeded teams, and Maine is more than capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
UAlbany Great Danes: A Rising Force in the Conference
The UAlbany Great Danes, seeded fourth with an 8-8 record in the America East and 16-15 overall, have shown consistent improvement this season. They will host No. 5 Binghamton in the quarterfinals on March 8 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Great Danes’ balanced roster and strong bench depth have been assets, allowing them to stay competitive in close games. UAlbany’s recent performances have been encouraging, and they will look to leverage their home-court advantage to advance. A victory in the quarterfinals would boost their confidence and set the stage for a potentially exciting semifinal clash.
Watching the Drama Unfold: Live Coverage and Streaming Options
Fans can follow the drama of the 2025 America East tournament through various live coverage and streaming options. The championship game and the first semifinal will be broadcast on ESPN2, with the championship game airing on Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Additionally, all tournament games can be streamed live on ESPN+. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99, which saves $24. For those who prefer a different streaming service, Sling offers access to ESPN channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, through its Sling Orange package. This ensures that avid sports fans can always cheer for their favorite teams, no matter where they are. The full game-by-game schedule is available, allowing fans to plan their viewing and stay up-to-date with all the action.
The 2025 America East Tournament Bracket: A Path to Glory
The 2025 America East tournament bracket is set, with Bryant University as the No. 1 seed, followed by Vermont, Maine, UAlbany, Binghamton, UMass Lowell, New Hampshire, and UMBC. The full seeding and team records are as follows:
- 1. Bryant: 14-2 (20-11 overall)
- 2. Vermont: 13-3 (20-11 overall)
- 3. Maine: 10-6 (18-13 overall)
- 4. UAlbany: 8-8 (16-15 overall)
- 5. Binghamton: 7-9 (15-16 overall)
- 6. UMass Lowell: 6-10 (17-14 overall)
- 7. New Hampshire: 6-10 (8-23 overall)
- 8. UMBC: 5-11 (13-18 overall)
The tournament will reseed after the quarterfinal stage, ensuring that the highest remaining seeds face off in the later rounds. The championship game on March 15 will be contested at the highest remaining seed’s campus, adding an extra layer of excitement and home-court advantage. With a packed schedule and intense matchups, the 2025 America East tournament is sure to be a memorable journey for fans and players alike.
