Vermont at St. Joseph's 11/22/14

St. Joseph's 68 Vermont 60

Playing in a hostile environment, Vermont came out hot to start the game and then succumbed to the weight created by their turnovers. The difference in the turnovers this game versus the first few was that many of them were live ball turnovers that led directly to St. Joe's baskets. This is definitely going to be this teams biggest issue in the early part of the year. The inexperience and youth is most evident in this category. Other than that I thought Vermont showed very well. This was a very tough roadvgame against an good A-10 opponent. St. Joe's is competitive year in and year out and has a fringe NBA player in DeAndre Bembry. Through all of the turnovers and large second half deficits, Vermont never panicked and multiple times fought back into the game. They were a bounce here or there from making the game very interesting. I absolutely love the grit of this team and even in the small amount of time playing together you can see the confidence and the chemistry building. What I find most promising is the offensive firepower. This team can really shoot the ball and more importantly get to the rim. With the sample size getting larger it is now time to believe that this team will consistently outscore teams in the paint. Their ability to do this does not come from a dominant post game but instead from having several players who can create off the dribble and find the open man. I have been blown away by how many easy buckets this team can get on a nightly basis. In this game Dre Wills was able to get to the rim on three consecutive crucial possessions in the second half to get Vermont within striking distance. He continues to fill up the stat sheet and is getting more and more comfortable on the court. It was a small sample but Drew Urquhart is rapidly passing Ryan Pierson on the depth chart. He looked good in his limited minutes, showing toughness on the boards and making his free throws. He missed a couple bunnies but the potential is starting to be put into action. I also will give a shout out to Kurt Steidl's improved rebounding ability. He has grabbed at least 5 rebounds in three consecutive games and looks much stronger than a year ago. Also who didn't love that circus shot three that Cam Ward made? So far this year Kilpatrick looks every bit a player who is coming off major surgery and a year off. I am hopeful he will be able to shake off the rust but he is nowhere near 100%. Ernie Duncan started this game like he has started every other one, a beautiful pass for an easy bucket and a three pointer. No seriously, that is exactly how he has started every game. Then his back gives out and we don't see him again. I really don't know what to think of this injury. It is something that he must not experience at all times, but when his body is moved in just the right way it must be aggravated. This will certainly be the ongoing saga until it either clears up or he sits out indefinitely. It is really to bad because he would put this team over the top. All in all a very good showing and the team is moving in the right direction. Now back to Patrick Gym for Joe O'Shea's homecoming which I really hope Vermont spoils.