Vermont 75 Maine 60
One down. Two to go.
Vermont took care of business with a big second half and advanced to the semifinal on Tuesday night with a win over Maine. It was a back and forth first half as has been the pattern late in the season. Vermont dug deep and took control on the defensive end, stifling Maine's offense. Trae Bell-Haynes and Payton Henson led the offense with 21 points apiece. Bell-Haynes kept the Cats in it with his three point shooting in the first half and relentlessly drove to the rim in the second half. Henson took advantage of Maine's small lineup, getting easy buckets in the paint. Drew Urquhart finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds leading Vermont's big second half advantage on the glass. Everett Duncan finished with 6 points and 9 rebounds in another tough, hard nosed effort. The outside shots were not falling for the Cats but they were able to pound it inside for a big advantage in points in the paint. The mental focus was there for Vermont and the crowd was rocking. Now it is time for Stony Brook on Tuesday night. The Seawolves pulled the road upset of Albany. Stony Brook is a very athletic team and both games this year have been very physical. There are no easy match ups in the playoffs so it is hard to get to excited about not having to play Albany. Stony Brook presents a different challenge than Albany and much like the rest of the games down the stretch, they are going come in to Patrick with nothing to lose. Teams are coming out hot every game right now as they are all ready to be the one to knock off Vermont. Tonight's effort by the Cats was more indicative of the team they have been throughout this season. They keys to the game on Tuesday will be to limit turnovers and keep Stony Brook off the offensive glass. If Vermont can do that they will put themselves in the drivers seat. Anthony Lamb is progressing exactly how you would hope in his return from injury. He looked better in tonight's game and looks to be gaining strength and confidence. I expect him to get even more involved in the next game. Tuesday can't come fast enough.
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