Few America East teams have a player like Warren McLendon. Even less have a McLendon-like player coming off the bench.

The Hawks' not-so-secret weapon helped No. 2-seeded Hartford reach the America East championship game for the first time.

In the quarterfinal victory over New Hampshire, McLendon played 31 minutes, scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He shot 8 of 15 from the field.

In the semifinal win over Boston U., he had 13 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high five blocks.

At 6-6, 250, McLendon transferred from The Citadel and immediately filled a huge void at Hartford.

Sophomore guard Joe Zeglinski continues to lead the team in scoring; McLendon complements him beautifully.

McLendon is averaging 12.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, and he has blocked 52 shots. No other Hawk has blocked more than 16.

If Hartford is to win at UMBC on Saturday, McLendon must come up big again.

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