Saturday, February 25, 2017

Vermont completes a perfect conference season

Vermont 66 Stony Brook 51

18 in a row and an undefeated conference season is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Vermont took control early and didn't let off the gas, cruising to a big victory on senior day. The seniors came out of the gates firing, including a Kurt Steidl dunk and electrified the Patrick Gym crowd. Anthony Lamb took it from there and dominated every facet of the game. Lamb finished with 19 points, 5 Rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks, and zero turnovers. He pulled down tough rebounds in traffic, scored from all over, and played great defense. He was everywhere and Stony Brook had no answer. He has played his way into the discussion as one of the best players in the conference with the run he is on down the stretch. He has already locked up rookie of the year and his evolution as player this season has been fun to watch. Payton Henson has rediscovered his outside touch and it is opening the court up for him. Much like at the beginning of the year, Henson's outside shot has to be respected again and as a result he is finding more driving lanes. Ernie Duncan once again made his only two shots of the game just when Vermont needed some offense to squash one last Stony Brook rally. The cohesiveness of the team is on display night in and night out. It is one thing to be a great team, it is another thing entirely to play like a great team every game. Vermont just doesn't rattle and grinds the other team down over the course of the game. The last two games have been some of the best defensive efforts I have seen. The Cats have forced a season's worth of shot clock violations and teams are struggling to even get up good shots. This teams deserves to enjoy this accomplishment tonight and then get ready for the final chapter of this America East season. Being great in the regular season in a wonderful thing, but now the real season begins. Everything up to this point has been about putting themselves in the best position to win the America East tourney. Clinching home court was a big step and with the incredible Patrick Gym atmosphere behind them it is time to push for the title.

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