Every game is a must-win, but the Binghamton University men’s basketball team’s matchup with the visiting Vermont Catamounts tomorrow night could be the turning point, in one direction or another, for this year’s men’s basketball team.

“We are going to come out and play hard, play smart and play together,” said BU head coach Kevin Broadus. “They are going to be a tough out for us. They know how to win.”

In what had the potential to be a game for sole possession of first place in the America East Conference, Binghamton-Vermont has now become a season-defining game for the Bearcats after they lost to visiting Hartford, 71-62, Saturday afternoon.

A Binghamton win keeps them afloat toward the top of the conference. A Binghamton loss could send things downhill very quickly.

Vermont (11-10, 6-3 AE) has won the last four matchups against Binghamton, including a 71-60 victory at Vermont a month ago in both teams’ conference opener. The Catamounts held a double-digit lead in the second half, shooting 57 percent. The Bearcats’ 60 points is their lowest scoring output of the conference thus far.

Vermont was led by Marques Blakely’s 21 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks that game. Blakely is averaging a double-double in AE games with 20.0 ppg and 11.8 rpg. The Catamounts will look again to rely on Blakely’s offense and athletic abilities inside, while the Bearcats forwards try to limit his touches, especially off second chances around the rim.

Behind Blakely, Vermont has one of the best offense’s in the league, averaging 71.7 points per conference game. But the Catamounts will be facing a Binghamton team that ranks second in the conference with 62.7 points allowed per game.

The Bearcats were unable to keep the game close late last time, but if they manage to make it a free-throw contest late, the advantage would have to go to Binghamton. BU leads the conference with a 78 free-throw shooting percentage. Vermont, on the other hand, is second-to-last from the line, shooting 67 percent. Blakely shoots just 55 percent.

Both teams are coming off losses and are hungry for a win. Binghamton needs to win the game if it hopes to maintain its position toward the top of the conference, especially with games at UMBC and Boston to follow.

You hate to put all your eggs in one basket, but if Binghamton wants a chance at a top seed come tournament time — and to keep its loyal fans positive and hopeful — the Bearcats are going to have to do anything they can to pull out a victory. Even if that means employing a Hack-a-Blakely strategy.

Game at Manhattan added: The Bearcats will play Manhattan College on Feb. 23 (time TBA) in the Bronx as part of the ESPNU Bracketbusters series, though it will not be one of the televised matchups. Binghamton will host Manhattan at the Events Center during the 2008-09 season.

Manhattan is currently 8-14 overall and 2-10 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The Jaspers defeated Boston 72-65 on the road in December. You can catch Manhattan on ESPNU prior to the Binghamton matchup at 8 p.m. on Feb. 15 against Marist.

Binghamton is one of four AE teams selected to play games in the event along with Vermont, Boston and Albany.