Vermont at New Hampshire 1/29/20

Vermont 56 UNH 43

Vermont used another stifling defensive performance on the way to their sixth straight victory. The defense was dug in from the get go as the Cats held UNH to 26% shooting from the field. Once again the energy was great and the Cats were flying all over the court. Anthony Lamb led the way with 20 points. With UNH electing to go with single coverage, Lamb gave a vintage performance. Strong underneath the rim and setting the tone with his physicality. It was great to see him get as fired up about diving on a loose ball or getting a big defensive stop as he was when he made a three. That is the type of leadership that Lamb brings to this team.  Lamb and the rest of his teammates are playing with incredible fire and energy on both ends of the court. Stef Smith chipped in 11 points, knocking down 3/4 from three. Ben Shungu was a monster on the boards, pulling down a career high 10 rebounds. Ryan Davis again gave Vermont the offensive boost they needed under the rim. Daniel Giddens began the game with the worst four minutes of his Vermont career but was able to bounce back with some very nice alley-oop finishes. The Stony Brook game was quite a wake up call for Vermont, particularly on the defensive end. Since giving up 81 points to Stony Brook, Vermont has allowed 54 points per game. With their bench performing at such a high level the defensive energy from all the Cats has increased exponentially. Now the big showdown in Albany on Saturday to finish off the first half of the conference schedule. The atmosphere is going to be electric for that one.