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.
Glad to see Davis progressing and starting to make the 3 as I think he is a good 3 pt shooter as advertised. Do you think their final scholly will be a big and any insight into possibilities?
ReplyDeleteI agree. I am very high on Davis. I think going 0-5 from three in that Kansas game cratered his confidence and then he got injured. He is starting to show flashes of what he can do. This has been the quietest I have ever seen the recruiting trail for Vermont. I think it has to be a big looking at the roster for next season. I could also see them saving it and dipping into the transfer market to get a big. With a new arena and big minutes after Lamb graduates I could see Vermont being attractive to a transfer.
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