UMass Lowell at Vermont 2/11/15

Vermont 96 UMass Lowell 53

Wow.

It is not very often that i am left speechless, but this game was one of those times. I have never seen a team shoot the ball the way Vermont did in this game. For a team that has had its fair share of shooting woes this year, the Cats sure put it all together in one record setting game. Lowell was down several of their best players and struggled to put a division one lineup out on the floor. In years past and earlier this season, Vermont struggled and often played down to their opponents level. It was encouraging to see the Cats come out with purpose and drive from the opening tip and flat out dominate a game. No matter the level of competition the shooting display was one of historic levels. Seven different players hit a three pointer en route to a 16-21 night from the three point line. The 16 makes were one off the Vermont record for threes in a game and the 76% shooting from three is a new single game record. Only one of the threes (Hector Harold's bank shot) hit anything other than net. Vermont is brimming with confidence after their huge comeback win over Stony Brook and when this team is playing with confidence they are very dangerous. Coming anywhere near to repeating this performance is near impossible but it does showcase what this team can do when they are hitting shots. The defense has been there night in and night out and has put them in a position to compete for a title. If the shooting comes around at the right time, Vermont is going to be tough to beat. Cam Ward continues to impress as he had a perfect shooting night. Ward was 4-4 (all from three) and 2-2 from the line for a remarkably efficient 14 points. He also dished out 5 assists and created numerous other scoring opportunities with his heady, fearless style. The one two punch of him and Trae Bell-Haynes is a luxury that any team in the country would love to have. Speaking of Bell- Haynes, he is now 8-15 for the year from three. Maybe he should take a few more from the outside. Brandon Hatton had his second strong game in a row and is looking more and more confident on the court, Zach McRoberts continues to do the little things with his hustle and nose for the ball. Even in a blowout he was playing hard and diving all over the floor. I would also like to give a big shout out to walk on David Urso who scored his first collegiate points on (what else) a beautiful three pointer in transition. This team looks to be improving at the right time and has everything out in front of them to clinch a second place finish. The important piece is to take care of business against UMBC and Binghamton. Then the home game against UNH on February 25th becomes the clincher for second place. If Albany drops a game between now and then the last game of the season could be a battle for the top spot. There is a lot of basketball to play and Vermont is looking like a team heading in the right direction as the playoffs approach.