Vermont Catamounts (23-6, 15-1 AE):

Easily the hottest team in the conference heading into the America East tournament, the Catamounts closed the season on an 11-game winning streak, and have won 18 of their last 19 contests. The team is led by sophomore Mike Trimboli (16 ppg) and senior Chris Holm (12 rpg). The Catamounts were the top scoring and rebounding team in the conference, and should steamroll their way back into the NCAA tournament after a year-long hiatus.

Next game: Saturday, March 3 vs. Hartford/Stony Brook

Albany Great Danes (20-9, 13-3 AE):

Two of the Great Danes’ three conference losses were to Vermont, and it is very likely that these two teams will meet again for the conference title. While Jamar Wilson will not repeat as conference player of the year, he will play a key role in Albany’s postseason run. Jason Siggers, the team’s only other senior, has been a pleasant surprise, scoring more than 14 ppg compared to five last year. The Great Danes move the ball extremely well, as they lead the conference in assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio.

Next game: Saturday, March 3 vs. New Hampshire

Boston University Terriers (11-17, 8-8 AE):

The Terriers’ success was due to the play of three freshmen (Corey Lowe, Tyler Morris and Carlos Strong) who were the top three scorers on the team. The trio combined for 38 points per game. The problem all year has been winning the close games. Of their 17 losses, 13 were by 10 points or fewer, including all eight conference losses. The Terriers led the conference in scoring defense, holding opponents under 60 points per game. With the home crowd behind them at the America East tournament, maybe the Terriers can peak at the right time.

Next game: Saturday, March 3 vs. Binghamton

Maine Black Bears (12-17, 7-9 AE):

Seniors Kevin Reed, Chris Bruff and Jon Sheets lead the way, all scoring in double figures for the Black Bears, who have struggled as of late. They ended a five-game losing streak this weekend after beating lowly Stony Brook by only two points. The problem for this team has been its defense, as they allow 68 points per game to opponents (last in the conference) and also have the fewest defensive rebounds of any team in the America East conference. Those two stats won’t help you win many games.

Next game: Saturday, March 3 vs. UMBC

UMBC Retrievers (11-18, 7-9 AE):

Brian Hodges leads the way, averaging 15 ppg, while Mike Housman adds 6.5 rebounds per game for the Retrievers. They allow opponents to shoot 45 percent from the field, including an amazing 39 percent from beyond the arc. The bright spot on this team is their free-throw shooting, which is tops in the conference at 73 percent. If they can get to the line enough, UMBC could be dangerous.

Next game: Saturday, March 3 vs. Maine

New Hampshire Wildcats (10-19, 6-10 AE):

This team spreads the ball around well, with three players scoring in double figures (Mike Christensen, Blagov Janev, Jermaine Anderson) and another with 9.7 ppg (Tyreece Gibbs). The Wildcats score the fewest points per game in the conference, perhaps due in large part to the fact that they also grab the fewest offensive rebounds. Their best bet is to keep shooting on the perimeter, since they average a league-best eight 3s per game.

Next game: Saturday, March 3 vs. Albany

Hartford Hawks (12-17, 6-10 AE):

The Hawks have won just three of their past 13 games. They are ranked toward the bottom in field goal percentage, and dead last in 3-point field goal percentage. They are, however, first in turnover margin. The one-two punch of Bo Taylor and Joe Zeglinski combines for 28 points per game, and the Hawks need them to contribute if they expect to win a game in the America East tournament. The good news: Hartford plays Stony Brook, whom they beat both times this season. The bad news: If Hartford wins, Vermont would be their next opponent.

Next game: Friday, March 2 vs. Stony Brook

Stony Brook Seawolves (9-19, 4-12 AE):

Ricky Lucas is the lone bright spot on this team, scoring 15.5 points per game (good for third in the conference) and adding five rebounds per game. The team could not find its rhythm at all this season, never winning back-to-back games and winning just two of its past 10. It would take too long to list all the categories that the Seawolves rank last in, so I will just name a couple: free-throw percentage, field goal percentage and assists per game. This team is in serious trouble, as the top six scorers are upperclassmen and three of the top four will be graduating in May.

Next game: Friday, march 2 vs. Hartford