CBI First Round: Western Carolina at Vermont 3/16/16

The ORIGINAL Catamounts win!!

Vermont 79 Western Carolina 74

Lose two starters? No Problem.
Take out Duncan? No worries, there is another one.

In a game that was representative of the entire last calendar year for the Catamounts, Vermont overcame adversity to win. Becker talked about the "next man up" style with which they play and it was on full display tonight. Kurt Steidl played like a man possessed and had one of the most complete games of his career. He finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds while playing tough defense. He hit the big shot of the night when his three pointer pushed the lead out late in the game. Steidl also sealed the game from the line hitting 9-10 free throws. It was like there was nothing he couldn't do. Steidl's leadership blossomed at the end of the season and in a game where Vermont needed someone to step up, he put the team on his back. He was not alone however as Everett Duncan also had a career night. The younger Duncan played 27 minutes and finished with 7 points and 8 rebounds. He played strong defense and boxed out on every possession. I had a feeling before the game that this would be his opportunity and he certainly took advantage. He was flat out tremendous in the second half. He has a very well rounded game and a high basketball IQ. Vermont also got a boost from Dylan Sinnickson in the first half as he got a nice bucket underneath and hit a three. What a tremendous testament to the Vermont program that the last half of the bench can come in ready to play in a postseason game. Trae Bell-Haynes hit an improbable three pointer with the shot clock winding down that sent Patrick into a frenzy. He also shot 11-12 from the free throw line to finish with 16 points. Now Vermont waits for the winner of Idaho/Seattle so someone is in for a long road trip. It is such a great experience for these players to play in this tournament and it is so beneficial to get experiences in games against different opponents who play different styles of basketball. Can't wait for the next one.