Vermont 74 UMass Lowell 57
Vermont used a balanced attack put away Lowell in the regular season finale. Stef Smith broke out of an extended slump and led the Cats with 21 points. He looked like the Smith from the beginning of the season shooting tough threes with confidence and attacking the rim. If he can continue to knock down shots it will help alleviate some of the defense pressure on Ernie Duncan and Anthony Lamb. Anthony Lamb had strong all around game with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Opposing teams are really making life difficult for him on offense and he is working hard to find other ways to make his presence felt. Ernie tossed in 14 points on his senior night and knocked down two more three's putting him two away from 300 for his career. Samuel Dingba overcame an emotional scuffle early in the game where he received a technical foul and did what he does best puling down 8 rebounds and swatting away 2 shots. It was a strangely intense game with several technical fouls and a lot of physical play. Ben Shungu and Ryan Davis left with injuries and Davis' eye looked pretty gnarly after the game. Hopefully they are okay as both are now key pieces of the rotation. Shungu was having one of the best games of his career before the injury. He really brought the crowd to their feet with a thunderous fast break dunk early on. One thing that has gone unnoticed is that since returning from injury Davis is shooting 40% (6-15) from three. His ability to stretch the floor is starting to have a positive effect. Now it is time for the real deal. Playoff basketball. Once again it is Maine in the quarterfinal. There is nothing better that basketball in March.
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