UNCG 54 Vermont 53
Vermont came up short in a great college basketball game against UNC Greensboro. The game lived up to its billing as two of the best mid-major programs in the country went toe to toe. Both teams were fighting tooth and nail and the lead never went above 6 points for either side. Both defenses were locked in and executed their game plan. UNCG was able to make the plays down the stretch in a game that could have gone either way, That was on of those games that it is a shame that someone had to lose because both teams played so hard. Anthony Lamb had his way in the paint and led the Cats with 23 points and 7 rebounds. He was fast and decisive underneath the hoop and just abused the single coverage with an array of moves. Unfortunately he is still struggling mightily from the perimeter and could not get a shot to fall down the stretch. Ben Shungu turned in another stellar performance, playing incredible defense on the preseason conference player of the year Isaiah Miller and holding him to 11 points. The Vermont defense is elite and continues to put the Cats in a position to win. Unfortunately the perimeter shooting continues to be an area of difficulty and in the second half completely disappeared for the Cats. A lot of that had to do with UNCG playing incredible defense. I can see why they are one of the elite defenses in the country and I actually thought that was the best defensive team the Cats have faced (and that includes Virginia). The fact that UNCG presses for the entire game really wears the opponent down. There are a lot of positives to take away from this game. Vermont played well in every aspect of the game except their perimeter shooting. They continue to show that they can play with anyone in the country and as long as they stay engaged on the defensive end, the ball will start to bounce their way. UNCG has had some tough luck this season, losing two games on halfcourt buzzer beaters, so they were due for one not to fall. Now Vermont has a quick turnaround before facing Lipscomb on Friday. They can build off this game and gear up to get back into the win column.
Good analysis of the game. I thought the last two plays designed after the last two time outs
ReplyDeletewere too obvious. Both set-up for Lamb. Both well defended by UNCG. Instead of having a viable
second option and taking what the defense gave us, I thought the Cats forced the issue, trying
to get the ball to Lamb no matter what. Outcoached in the last two possessions for the Cats.