Vermont 85 Hofstra 81
Sorry for the long layoff. I never got around to recapping the Stony Brook game but I am back!
Vermont played tough on the road against a very good Hofstra team and got a win in the first round of the CBI. No matter what level of postseason play, it is a great experience for this young team to be playing this time of year. To win the way that Vermont won is even more impressive. Vermont led the entire game and each time Hofstra made it close, Vermont was able to respond. They forced Hofstra to take contested threes all night and had their way on the offensive end. Vermont again struggled at the free throw line which made it interesting down the stretch, but they were able to come up with enough plays to win. Becker played this game to win but at the same time let the young guys play more minutes and tinkered with some different lineups. The bench mob stepped up in a big way and looked confident on the court. Drew Urquhart continues to improve and I believe he will be the player that makes a significant sophomore jump next season. Zach McRoberts also played a very good game, setting a new career high with 13 points. It is tough to remain focused after a week off and Vermont came out strong from the opening tip. The most impressive aspect of the game for Vermont was the quick and decisive ball movement. I don't know if it was a product of Hofstra's poor defense or the 30 second shot clock (or both), but it was the best I have seen the Cats move the ball all year. Vermont passed the ball efficiently and seemed to be in attack mode for the full 40 minutes. They didn't settle for threes and really pounded the ball inside. Now they await their next opponent and there is a chance that they might host the game. It would be great to see them make a bit of a run in this tournament because it would give them a great boost going into next season.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
America East Quarterfinals vs UMBC
Vermont 66 UMBC 39
Vermont took care of business by systematically demolishing UMBC. On the defensive side of the ball, Vermont extended their defense 30 feet from the hoop and made UMBC scramble on every possession. That type of defensive intensity is a must during the tournament. On the offensive side of the ball Hector Harold broke out of a shooting slump and knocked down 4/5 threes. It is key for Harold to hit his first shot as it lifts his confidence and he is more willing to take shots for the rest of the game. He needed a confidence booster as Vermont will need his shooting against Stony Brook on Sunday. The other take away from the UMBC game is the strong late season play of Drew Urquhart. He has now played double digit minutes in three consecutive games. During his minutes he has looked more confident and is avoiding making the glaring metal mistakes that resulted in him getting buried on the bench every game. Drew U has a wealth of talent and he is peaking at the right time.
The Stony Brook game will be a tough, hard fought playoff game. It is very difficult to beat a team three times in a season and the Seawolves are going to be very motivated to exact some revenge. Vermont has to stay focused on executing each possession and maintaining the even keeled approach that has served them well this year. The keys to the game will be rebounding and the three point line. Vermont has to hold their own on the boards and knock down open perimeter looks. Vermont has also done a very good job at not letting the role players beat them in either Stony Brook game. This is important because it allows Jameel Warney to "get his" without it affecting the overall defensive strategy. Coming out with energy and going on that first run in important against a good team at home.
Vermont took care of business by systematically demolishing UMBC. On the defensive side of the ball, Vermont extended their defense 30 feet from the hoop and made UMBC scramble on every possession. That type of defensive intensity is a must during the tournament. On the offensive side of the ball Hector Harold broke out of a shooting slump and knocked down 4/5 threes. It is key for Harold to hit his first shot as it lifts his confidence and he is more willing to take shots for the rest of the game. He needed a confidence booster as Vermont will need his shooting against Stony Brook on Sunday. The other take away from the UMBC game is the strong late season play of Drew Urquhart. He has now played double digit minutes in three consecutive games. During his minutes he has looked more confident and is avoiding making the glaring metal mistakes that resulted in him getting buried on the bench every game. Drew U has a wealth of talent and he is peaking at the right time.
The Stony Brook game will be a tough, hard fought playoff game. It is very difficult to beat a team three times in a season and the Seawolves are going to be very motivated to exact some revenge. Vermont has to stay focused on executing each possession and maintaining the even keeled approach that has served them well this year. The keys to the game will be rebounding and the three point line. Vermont has to hold their own on the boards and knock down open perimeter looks. Vermont has also done a very good job at not letting the role players beat them in either Stony Brook game. This is important because it allows Jameel Warney to "get his" without it affecting the overall defensive strategy. Coming out with energy and going on that first run in important against a good team at home.
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