Vermont 76 GW 51
Vermont used an explosive first half from Anthony Lamb and another suffocating defensive effort to close out 2019 with a victory. Lamb was the story in the first half, catching fire on his way to a 20 point half. Finally knocking down some perimeter shots, Lamb had his offensive rhythm back for the first time in weeks. It is a great sign for a player who wasn't going to be kept down for long. Lamb finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in a dominating performance. Robin Duncan turned in his second straight strong effort. With Ben Shungu sidelined, Robin is the guy who needed to step up. He played his trademark suffocating defense and chipped in 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Everett Duncan also stuffed the stat sheet with 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. His two three point baskets in the second half put the game away and he did a little bit of everything in this one. It was nice to see the Cats put together back to back strong offensive games. It bears mentioning again that some of the offensive struggles to this point are due to the strong quality of opponent that Vermont scheduled this season. Vermont's KenPom defensive efficiency sits at 47 which is why they have been able to continue to win games in the non-conference despite the offensive struggles. In their five losses this season, the opponents average defensive efficiency is 60. In their wins it is 207. They have played some very good defensive squads who executed their game plan very effectively. For some context the average defensive efficiency for the rest of the America East conference is 253. These last two games are more indicative of how the Vermont offense is likely to perform for the rest of the season. I am not going to be able to watch the game tomorrow night in Dartmouth but can't wait for conference play to start!
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