Vermont at Albany 2/8/18

Vermont 72 Albany 67

A few day after thoughts on last nights big win.

First and foremost, for the one millionth time I can not get over the mental fortitude of this team. They have the same demeanor up 15 or down 15. The same demeanor against the last place team as their bitter rival. They just come out and will themselves to victory. It is something to appreciate because a group like this rare. If you need anymore evidence just look at the 20/20 effort from the free throw line. Shooting from the line is such a mental process and to be perfect on the road in a hostile environment against your bitter rival is nothing short of spectacular. That is absolutely what won them the game. Also what a time to reflect on the decade on success they are currently in. To win 20 games in college basketball is a really nice benchmark of success. For Vermont to have won 20 games for 10 seasons in a row is a level of consistency not always seen at the mid-major level. Just more reinforcement for the incredible atmosphere this program has created by recruiting players who are more about winning than any individual accolade. I am going to appreciate this homestand because watching this team play is so rewarding and I want to soak up every last second of this group's career. On the individual side of things how incredible is Drew Urquhart's meteoric rise this season. He looks like a completely different player. His passing has just been incredible. To see Drew U put up a 19 point, 8 rebound, 5 assist, 2 block night is a demonstration of the maturity and growth he has experienced this season. He is the poster child for not chasing minutes and looking for better pastures. He put in the hard work and is being rewarded by seizing the opportunity he has been given. Trae-Bell Haynes is continues to raise his level of play as the season goes on. Another 20 point performance. More incredible leadership, drive, and determination. He is a flat out warrior on the court. Bell-Haynes is only 16 points away from 1,500 for his career. He will be the 9th Catamount to reach that level. Payton Henson grabbed the 500th rebound of his career and became the 29th member of the 500 point/500 rebound club for the Catamounts. And last but not least Ernie Duncan is closing in on 1,000 career points. He needs 23 to get into quadruple digits. It is going to be exciting to watch this team push toward their goal and great to finally have an extended homestand. I can't wait to be at Patrick on Sunday.