13 Vermont vs 3 Florida State game recap

Florida State 76 Vermont 69

Vermont played Florida State tough before falling in the first round of the NCAA tournament. For most of the game Vermont executed their game plan perfectly. They made Florida State a jump shooting team and the Cats shot lights out from three. Florida State was able to turn the tides by getting to the line relentlessly down the stretch. Anytime a team is trying to pull an upset they need a few bounces to go their way and it seemed like Vermont couldn't catch a break over the last 10 minutes of the game. What was most impressive about the game was how evenly matched the two teams looked. If you took the names off the jerseys it looked like any old ACC game. Vermont looked really good and pushed Florida State to the limit. It is an interesting place to be in this program where games like this feel like a disappointment. I know the players are not satisfied and that shows the drive this team has to push even further. When you zoom out on the game it is clear that Vermont belongs and continues to perform well in these games against the big time programs. They can't quite breakthrough and are still looking for that big upset, but it feels like they are very close to reaching that goal. Anthony Lamb was really tough in this game leading the Cats with 16 points and 8 rebounds. He also led the team with 3 assists and his back to back blocks late in the first half were electrifying. Ben Shungu continued his late season surge and was incredible scoring 15 points including 3-3 shooting from deep. He looked like a stud at the end of the season and his improved shooting is a surprise to say the least. Ernie Duncan finished his career in style knocking down 5-6 from deep. Those threes bring him to 308 for his career and second place all time at Vermont. Stef Smith also chipped in 15 points as Vermont shot a blistering 16-32 (50%) from three. This group was really fun to watch this season and I will miss watching Ernie play. The future is bright and this team can be proud of how they represented the Vermont program in today's game. I will post a season wrap up sometime next week after the dust has settled. Another great season in Catamount country.