Vermont 70 Stony Brook 51
Two down. One to go.
Vermont put together a strong 40 minutes of basketball and used a smothering defense to advance to their third straight title game. From the opening tip, the mental focus and energy was there. Shots weren't falling early for either team as both teams jockeyed for control of the game. Vermont settled in and executed the game plan. Drew Urquhart led the Cats with 19 points and 8 rebounds. After being saddled with foul trouble in the first half, Drew U keyed Vermont's offensive surge in the second half. At the beginning of the season it was hard to imagine that Drew would be the key cog that keeps the Cats offense running. However, here we are during the most crucial stretch of the season and he has become Vermont's most important player. He attacked the rim in a variety of different ways and worked through contact to draw a high number of fouls. Payton Henson also continued his late season surge as he knocked down 3/4 four from deep and finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Cam Ward played his best game of the season sparking the offense in the first half and finishing with 12 points. Ward is giving max effort on every play and is playing with such poise and energy. Everett Duncan had another lunch pail night with 8 points and 8 rebounds. His toughness this year has really added a whole new dimension to the Vermont lineup. Now it is on to the finals for the third straight season. UMBC will always present a tough challenge because their style of play is so different than any other team the Cats play. The first two matchups were convincing wins for Vermont as they took advantage of their strong post play. I would expect Vermont to continue to take advantage down low in the title game. UMBC is dangerous if they can force turnovers, get out in transition, and when they are hitting threes. Vermont has done a nice job in both games limiting those opportunities. It is going to be a whole different game on Saturday and the first two matchups can really be thrown out as it is now a one game season. The atmosphere will be electric and the Cats will be ready.
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