Weekend game recaps 1/20/15

Vermont 71 UMBC 54
Vermont 64 Binghamton 44

Vermont was able to sweep a pair of weekend games and push their record to 5-0 in conference. The games were predictable blowouts as UMBC and Binghamton are a combined 4-34 on the season. In the first game against UMBC, Vermont struggled with turning the ball over but put UMBC away with a dominant second half. Brendan Kilpatrick looked especially good scoring 13 points. He continued his strong play with a 9 point effort against Binghamton. Health has always been the monkey wrench in Kilpatrick's game because when on the court he has often been productive. If he can stay healthy he can be a key part of the rotation. With him Vermont's bench becomes very strong and this strength was on full display against Binghamton. Ethan O"Day and Hector Harold were both in foul trouble and Becker went with a small lineup that was playing Zach McRoberts at center and Kilpatrick at power forward. That lineup looked very strong and helped spark Vermont. It is the versatility of Kilpatrick, who plays bigger than he is with a combination of tremendous athleticism and physicality, that can really help this team. The bench crew of Cam Ward, Kilpatrick, and McRoberts is dynamic off the bench. McRoberts had very strong game against Binghamton. Playing his trademark tough defense and getting to lose balls, McRoberts ended with 8 points and 11 rebounds. He is a player with tremendous room to grow and as his offense comes around he will continue to be a larger and larger part of the rotation. Vermont is a team still learning the ropes but with this early season success they have put themselves in a great position. The upcoming three game stretch will be a good barometer to see how far they have come. Both UNH and UMass Lowell and tough road games, followed by Albany at home. All of those games are going to be tough and physical. Albany is the only other undefeated team in conference and have the look of a team ready to be playing their best basketball down the stretch (sound familiar?). After this week of games, Vermont's place in the conference standings will become very clear.