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.
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