Vermont 69 Binghamton 63
Vermont survived a scare from Binghamton and gutted out a victory. For the second consecutive game the Cats offense looked stagnant and choppy. It is tough to win on the road and the way they were able to get stops down the stretch was a big plus. There has just been something missing the last few games. They are just not playing with the fire and energy that they had a few weeks ago. Becker is clearly seeing this as he changed up the starting lineup, inserting Everett Duncan and Ben Shungu. Robin Duncan and Stef Smith came off the bench and both saw reduced minutes. The coaching staff is clearly trying to light a fire for some of the players. This is very much shades of last season when Vermont struggled to put teams away down the stretch and we all know how that ended. The week off could not come at a better time for the Cats as they need to try and clear the slate, start over, and recapture the intensity and determination they had the rest of the season. Anthony Lamb dominated with 28 points and 12 rebounds. When Vermont needed points down the stretch he attacked the rim with purpose. For much of the game he was uncharacteristically missing shots and for the second straight game struggled with the double teams that were being thrown at him. Teams have made the adjustment defensively and are now waiting and double teaming him as soon as he gets into his move to the rim. He was able to make the adjustment late in the game and lead the Cats to victory. Ernie Duncan bounced back from and off night against UMBC and tossed in 22 points on 5-7 shooting from three. Ernie is now five threes away from becoming just the third Catamount to reach the 300 career threes plateau. That will be an incredible accomplishment. Lamb and Ernie are the guys that are going to carry this team. It will be good for the Cats to get home and they have an opportunity to take care of business and make sure they don't have to go on the road for the rest of the season.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Vermont at UMBC 2/21/19
UMBC 65 Vermont 56
Vermont was uncharacteristically sloppy and UMBC used a big second half to defeat Vermont for the third consecutive time. As I have said before since Ryan Odom took over Vermont has very often struggled with offensive flow against UMBC. Every possession is labored and it seems like a miracle every time the Cats make a shot. Tonight was no different. UMBC's pressure defense sped the Cats up and they struggled to adjust. The Vermont coaching staff has to make better adjustments to combat the scheme that UMBC is throwing at them. Time to wipe the slate clean and come up with a new strategy against this team. It is very concerning to hear on the broadcast the Anthony Lamb is dealing with another injury. He certainly struggled in this game so that will be a situation to monitor going forward. The poor three point shooting reared its ugly head again and that continues to be a point of concern for the Cats. It is almost unbelievable how different the Cats look against UMBC compared to their games against every other team. Chalk it up to a bad match-up, but on some level they are getting in the Cats heads. On the positive side of things against everyone else this team looks like a machine. It is an awfully quick turnaround for the Binghamton game on Saturday so it will be interesting to see if Lamb is healthy for that game. I think the quick turnaround is good for Vermont as it gives them an opportunity to get back on the winning track and they wont have time to dwell on this loss. Vermont still controls their own destiny as Albany beat Stony Brook which still gives the Cats the one game lead. Time to dig deep and focus on winning the last three games to clinch the number one seed.
Vermont was uncharacteristically sloppy and UMBC used a big second half to defeat Vermont for the third consecutive time. As I have said before since Ryan Odom took over Vermont has very often struggled with offensive flow against UMBC. Every possession is labored and it seems like a miracle every time the Cats make a shot. Tonight was no different. UMBC's pressure defense sped the Cats up and they struggled to adjust. The Vermont coaching staff has to make better adjustments to combat the scheme that UMBC is throwing at them. Time to wipe the slate clean and come up with a new strategy against this team. It is very concerning to hear on the broadcast the Anthony Lamb is dealing with another injury. He certainly struggled in this game so that will be a situation to monitor going forward. The poor three point shooting reared its ugly head again and that continues to be a point of concern for the Cats. It is almost unbelievable how different the Cats look against UMBC compared to their games against every other team. Chalk it up to a bad match-up, but on some level they are getting in the Cats heads. On the positive side of things against everyone else this team looks like a machine. It is an awfully quick turnaround for the Binghamton game on Saturday so it will be interesting to see if Lamb is healthy for that game. I think the quick turnaround is good for Vermont as it gives them an opportunity to get back on the winning track and they wont have time to dwell on this loss. Vermont still controls their own destiny as Albany beat Stony Brook which still gives the Cats the one game lead. Time to dig deep and focus on winning the last three games to clinch the number one seed.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Vermont at Hartford 2/16/19
Vermont 77 Hartford 75
Vermont again took an opponent's best shot and prevailed, gutting out a victory over Hartford. The game was a back and forth affair where neither team led by more than 7 points. Hartford played a nearly perfect game where they shot 53% from the field and 12-22 (55%) from three. Just about everything they threw up went in including banking in a half-court heave at the buzzer to give the game its final margin. Hartford could not have played a better game and Vermont was still able to pull out the win. Once again Anthony Lamb led the way with 25 points. I thought Hartford actually did a good defensive job for most of the game and were great taking away his go to moves. Lamb was able to adjust down the stretch and found more room to work. On the most crucial Vermont possessions of the night it was Lamb's passing that led Vermont to victory. He had two beautiful assists from the high post that led to big buckets. Is there anything he can't do? Ernie Duncan chipped in 16 points and Robin Duncan broke out of a protracted offensive slump with 7 points. Stef Smith had an up and down game but was the other Catamount in double figures with 12. Another big road win against a very tough Hartford squad. Every team is coming out and treating their games against Vermont as their championship game. The Cats have to be prepared to take every team's best shot and tonight they were able to prevail. After several strong defensive games in a row it was tough to see the Cats defense take such a significant step back. You have to give Hartford a lot of credit as they made some tough shots. The Cats were really struggling to help and recover and that is why Becker went to a small lineup down the stretch and began to switch everything. That proved to be the move that changed the momentum and propelled Vermont to victory. They are going to have to tighten up their three point defense with UMBC on deck. I am interested to see the game on Thursday against UMBC with a fully healthy Vermont squad. Should be an electric atmosphere for another game in a budding America East rivalry.
Vermont again took an opponent's best shot and prevailed, gutting out a victory over Hartford. The game was a back and forth affair where neither team led by more than 7 points. Hartford played a nearly perfect game where they shot 53% from the field and 12-22 (55%) from three. Just about everything they threw up went in including banking in a half-court heave at the buzzer to give the game its final margin. Hartford could not have played a better game and Vermont was still able to pull out the win. Once again Anthony Lamb led the way with 25 points. I thought Hartford actually did a good defensive job for most of the game and were great taking away his go to moves. Lamb was able to adjust down the stretch and found more room to work. On the most crucial Vermont possessions of the night it was Lamb's passing that led Vermont to victory. He had two beautiful assists from the high post that led to big buckets. Is there anything he can't do? Ernie Duncan chipped in 16 points and Robin Duncan broke out of a protracted offensive slump with 7 points. Stef Smith had an up and down game but was the other Catamount in double figures with 12. Another big road win against a very tough Hartford squad. Every team is coming out and treating their games against Vermont as their championship game. The Cats have to be prepared to take every team's best shot and tonight they were able to prevail. After several strong defensive games in a row it was tough to see the Cats defense take such a significant step back. You have to give Hartford a lot of credit as they made some tough shots. The Cats were really struggling to help and recover and that is why Becker went to a small lineup down the stretch and began to switch everything. That proved to be the move that changed the momentum and propelled Vermont to victory. They are going to have to tighten up their three point defense with UMBC on deck. I am interested to see the game on Thursday against UMBC with a fully healthy Vermont squad. Should be an electric atmosphere for another game in a budding America East rivalry.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
UNH at Vermont 2/13/19
Vermont 73 New Hampshire 44
Anthony Lamb hit the 20 point mark for the fourth straight game and the Vermont defense did the rest. The Cats dominated UNH to reach 20 wins for the 11th consecutive season. That is a tremendous accomplishment. That puts them in elite company with programs that are perennial final four contenders like Duke, Gonzaga, and Kentucky. To sustain that kind of success at a small school like Vermont is kind of unbelievable. It is a testament to the strong winning culture that the coaching staff and players have built. The result of the game was no surprise as UNH is the worst offensive team in the country this season. That program has fallen off a cliff with only one division one victory this season. There were no other players in double figures for Vermont as it was an opportunity for the bench to get some extended minutes. Ben Shungu continued his strong play and Ra Kpedi was finally able to get some extended minutes. Ryan Davis is starting to find his footing in the offense and is slowly but surely able to spend more time on the court. He is still a step behind on defense which of course draws Becker's ire. His play could be key down the stretch so the more repetitions he can get in game action the better. Stef Smith continues to play hard through his offensive slump. He finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds but has really been struggling from the field. Since starting the season off on fire his shooting percentage has dropped every month. In conference play he is shooting only 37-102(36%) from the field. He continues to affect the game positively in other ways but Vermont needs him to find his stroke again for the stretch run. Now the three game road trip that will really test this team. With Hartford and UMBC in the next two contests, the Cats will need to continue their tough play on the road and maintain their intensity on defense. Now is the time to put it all together.
Anthony Lamb hit the 20 point mark for the fourth straight game and the Vermont defense did the rest. The Cats dominated UNH to reach 20 wins for the 11th consecutive season. That is a tremendous accomplishment. That puts them in elite company with programs that are perennial final four contenders like Duke, Gonzaga, and Kentucky. To sustain that kind of success at a small school like Vermont is kind of unbelievable. It is a testament to the strong winning culture that the coaching staff and players have built. The result of the game was no surprise as UNH is the worst offensive team in the country this season. That program has fallen off a cliff with only one division one victory this season. There were no other players in double figures for Vermont as it was an opportunity for the bench to get some extended minutes. Ben Shungu continued his strong play and Ra Kpedi was finally able to get some extended minutes. Ryan Davis is starting to find his footing in the offense and is slowly but surely able to spend more time on the court. He is still a step behind on defense which of course draws Becker's ire. His play could be key down the stretch so the more repetitions he can get in game action the better. Stef Smith continues to play hard through his offensive slump. He finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds but has really been struggling from the field. Since starting the season off on fire his shooting percentage has dropped every month. In conference play he is shooting only 37-102(36%) from the field. He continues to affect the game positively in other ways but Vermont needs him to find his stroke again for the stretch run. Now the three game road trip that will really test this team. With Hartford and UMBC in the next two contests, the Cats will need to continue their tough play on the road and maintain their intensity on defense. Now is the time to put it all together.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Albany at Vermont 2/9/2019
Vermont 67 Albany 49
After getting caught in the ice mess and missing the last game, I was ecstatic to be back in Patrick.
Vermont overcame a slow start and dominated the first 10 minutes of the second half en route to a victory over Albany. Anthony Lamb was in beast mode the entire game finishing with a dominant 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He was flying all over the court and really set the tone with his physical play. He had a few uncharacteristic mistakes which only motivated and focused him even more. Lamb was diving on the floor for loose balls even when the Cats had a 20 plus point lead. He is all out all the time and wants to win every play of every game. What a season he is having. Coach Becker talked about how Ernie Duncan's approach has been special and that he has really embraced his senior season in a positive way. The on court results have been incredible as Ernie had another strong game finishing with 16 points (4-7 from three) and 4 assists. He completely took over the game on both ends of the floor during the Cats second half run. He plays the game with an incredibly rare balance of joy and intensity. Everett Duncan also had a strong game and the silver lining of Lamb's two game absence was that it jump started Everett's season. Vermont's team defense was incredible throughout this game as their perimeter defense continues to disrupt opponents ability to get into their offensive sets. This afternoon the hedges on screens were phenomenal and everyone really collapsed on the ball when it went into the post. Ben Shungu did not score but was strong otherwise with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. In the first half Robin Duncan helped change the momentum with his physical play. Albany began the game with a lot of energy and they were playing physical and getting all of the hustle plays. Then Robin dug in on defense, and began hitting the boards hard. He finished with 7 rebounds and changes the game in ways that does not show up in the box score. A deflected pass here, a tap out rebound there. All of this great play while his offense has really bottomed out and he is even struggling to finish at the rim. He has actually made exactly one shot in 6 straight games where he is shooting 6-33 (18%) from the field. That feels like a kind of random statistical anomaly that will correct at some point but he truly is a player that can take over the game without scoring. Another great effort from a team that is on a mission. Can't wait for Wednesday night.
After getting caught in the ice mess and missing the last game, I was ecstatic to be back in Patrick.
Vermont overcame a slow start and dominated the first 10 minutes of the second half en route to a victory over Albany. Anthony Lamb was in beast mode the entire game finishing with a dominant 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He was flying all over the court and really set the tone with his physical play. He had a few uncharacteristic mistakes which only motivated and focused him even more. Lamb was diving on the floor for loose balls even when the Cats had a 20 plus point lead. He is all out all the time and wants to win every play of every game. What a season he is having. Coach Becker talked about how Ernie Duncan's approach has been special and that he has really embraced his senior season in a positive way. The on court results have been incredible as Ernie had another strong game finishing with 16 points (4-7 from three) and 4 assists. He completely took over the game on both ends of the floor during the Cats second half run. He plays the game with an incredibly rare balance of joy and intensity. Everett Duncan also had a strong game and the silver lining of Lamb's two game absence was that it jump started Everett's season. Vermont's team defense was incredible throughout this game as their perimeter defense continues to disrupt opponents ability to get into their offensive sets. This afternoon the hedges on screens were phenomenal and everyone really collapsed on the ball when it went into the post. Ben Shungu did not score but was strong otherwise with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. In the first half Robin Duncan helped change the momentum with his physical play. Albany began the game with a lot of energy and they were playing physical and getting all of the hustle plays. Then Robin dug in on defense, and began hitting the boards hard. He finished with 7 rebounds and changes the game in ways that does not show up in the box score. A deflected pass here, a tap out rebound there. All of this great play while his offense has really bottomed out and he is even struggling to finish at the rim. He has actually made exactly one shot in 6 straight games where he is shooting 6-33 (18%) from the field. That feels like a kind of random statistical anomaly that will correct at some point but he truly is a player that can take over the game without scoring. Another great effort from a team that is on a mission. Can't wait for Wednesday night.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Vermont at UMass Lowell 2/2/19
Vermont 74 UMass Lowell 65
It is good to have Anthony Lamb back.
Lamb had monster game in his return to the lineup, leading Vermont to victory over a scrappy UMass Lowell team. He finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks and scored a clutch basket late to fend off a UMass Lowell rally. This game was a perfect example of how crucial his play is for Vermont. The team at large was struggling mightily but each time they needed a bucket Lamb was there. That presence is exactly what was missing in the UMBC game. Lamb is the guy that digs deep and gets the clutch hoop. He was tremendous. The rest of the team couldn't find a rhythm and the Cats were sloppy with the ball. The continued inconsistency from three is a concern for the Cats going forward. At the beginning of the season it really felt like this team was going to be a reliable and efficient three point shooting team. They have really struggled to knock down shots. Tonight Vermont finished 3-16 and Bailey Patella and Ryan Davis each made a three which means the rest of the team was 1-14. That just shouldn't happen with the group of shooters that the Cats have. This team relies on the three point shot to prevent teams from doubling Lamb. That is an area that has to improve over the second half of the conference season. After one time through the America East Vermont is right where they want to be. Playing a team a second time is different kind of challenge so it will be interesting to see what adjustments are made by the coaches going forward. The excitement for March is building already.
It is good to have Anthony Lamb back.
Lamb had monster game in his return to the lineup, leading Vermont to victory over a scrappy UMass Lowell team. He finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks and scored a clutch basket late to fend off a UMass Lowell rally. This game was a perfect example of how crucial his play is for Vermont. The team at large was struggling mightily but each time they needed a bucket Lamb was there. That presence is exactly what was missing in the UMBC game. Lamb is the guy that digs deep and gets the clutch hoop. He was tremendous. The rest of the team couldn't find a rhythm and the Cats were sloppy with the ball. The continued inconsistency from three is a concern for the Cats going forward. At the beginning of the season it really felt like this team was going to be a reliable and efficient three point shooting team. They have really struggled to knock down shots. Tonight Vermont finished 3-16 and Bailey Patella and Ryan Davis each made a three which means the rest of the team was 1-14. That just shouldn't happen with the group of shooters that the Cats have. This team relies on the three point shot to prevent teams from doubling Lamb. That is an area that has to improve over the second half of the conference season. After one time through the America East Vermont is right where they want to be. Playing a team a second time is different kind of challenge so it will be interesting to see what adjustments are made by the coaches going forward. The excitement for March is building already.
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