What. A. Shot.
Ben Shungu beat the buzzer with a step back jumper to lift Vermont over Appalachian State. The Cats leave Estero at 5-2 after taking 2 out of 3 in the Gulf Coast Showcase. The Cats fell behind 10-0 to start the game, were down 24-12 with eight minutes to go in the first half, and were down 7 with eight minutes to go in the second half. The grit and determination that Vermont showed battling back each time (in their third game in three days) says alot about the heart of this team. App St. was in control for most of this game and their star Adrian Delph couldn't miss in the second half. Slowly but surely the Cats tightened up the defense and Shungu scored 11 of his 17 points in the last ten minutes of action. Vermont certainly has some kinks to work out but this team has a heck of a lot of heart. This tourney provided them with great experiences in just about every type of game situation and it will only give them opportunities to grow and learn.
Shungu made big play after big play down the stretch. Offensive rebounds, key buckets, tough defensive stands. He finished with 17 points to lead the Cats and left it all out on the floor. I am going to watch the highlight of that stepback about a million times. Buzzer beaters are the most exciting play in the sports world. Ryan Davis gutted through another off shooting night finishing with 14 points and 6 rebounds. The bench was hugh in this one scoring 22 points. Nick Fiorillo finally got a few threes to fall and jump started the Cats in the second half after Davis had to sit with three fouls. He finished with 7 points. Justin Mazzulla led the bench crew with 9 points, got two big putbacks on the offensive glass, and a huge steal on an App St. inbound. Finn Sullivan once again impacted the game from every angle. He exudes energy on the court. Sullivan finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds. He also had a big time block and deflected many a pass and dribble. He is having a huge impact so far this season.
Vermont gets a few days off to enjoy a good Thanksgiving feast before another tough road test at UNC Greensboro on Saturday. There is no better way to go into a mini break than after an exciting win like that. This is one to enjoy for sure. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
What a strong road trip. As much as it bothers me that they nearly swept the tourney losing without a full team available I also know that the first game suspensions are what also makes them a disciplined team... (for all of you kids at home) This is a fine example of defense winning games.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. They showed some major flashes. It seems like they a just scratching the surface and will continue to grow.
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