BURLINGTON, Vt. - Undefeated league-leading Vermont (21-5, 11-0 America East) built a 10-point halftime lead and ended the game with a 19-8 run to close out a 71-51 win over visiting Binghamton (12-14, 3-8 AE) Monday night at Patrick Gym.

Binghamton stayed within striking range for most of the second half but could draw no closer than nine, as the Catamounts shot 53 percent. 

Junior forward Bobby Ahearn led BU with 15 points and seven rebounds. He hit 5-of-10, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Junior center Dusan Perovic and sophomore center Thomas Bruce added nine points apiece. 

"We worked hard all game and hung in there but just couldn't make that final push," head coach Tommy Dempsey said. "We fought hard defensively but just couldn't find enough points ... and then they put it away in the last couple of minutes."

The Bearcats jumped out to a quick 9-4 lead less than four minutes into the contest, thanks to four points from Ahearn, a three from junior forward Willie Rodriguez and a big jam from Bruce. 

But Vermont countered with a 24-7 run to open up a 28-16 lead and the Catamounts (55% FG) maintained a 33-23 halftime cushion. 

The teams traded baskets for much of the second half. Ahearn hit a corner three to pull BU to within single digits, down 52-43, with 9:15 left. But Vermont closed out the game by scoring 19 of the final 27 points to complete the season sweep. 

The Bearcats next host Albany at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Events Center.