Just like they drew it up.
With Ryan Davis back at the hotel battling a non-COVID illness, Vermont exploded out of the gates taking control of the game from the opening tip and leading wire to wire in a impressive season opening win. The Cats put on a clinic in this one spreading out the Panthers defense with small ball lineups on the offensive end, and bringing a hard double team in the post and jumping passing lanes on defense. A perfectly executed gameplan to make up for the loss of Davis. Early on UNI's big man Austin Phyfe was feasting down low with Davis out. At the half Vermont committed to the small ball lineup and Phyfe played very little in the second half as a result. That relegated the UNI offensive attack to exclusively jump shots which they did not hit with any regularity. The Cats really pushed the tempo and longtime fans probably barely recognized Vermont zooming up and down the court attacking the basket early in the shot clock. Definitely a new wrinkle that really put the Panthers on their heels early. Vermont only committed 10 turnovers as the guard depth was on full display with crisp passing and a command of the ball in the open court. The perimeter shooting was inconsistent but timely. After the hot start the Cats really struggled to make perimeter shots, shooting only 4-16 from deep in the second half. However, each of those four shots was at a crucial moment when UNI was trying to make a run. Vermont imposed their will early and never took their foot of the gas. It was beautiful to watch.
Ben Shungu led way with 19 points and 6 rebounds. He made big shots down the stretch and built off his super efficient preseason with another big game. Isaiah Powell got the Cats off to their hot start and was looking for his shot all night, finishing with 17 points and 5 rebounds. He is absolutely going to be the third scorer that Vermont is looking for. His offensive versatility has grown each year and he continues to impress at the defensive end. Robin Duncan was the biggest surprise in the game tonight. He got the start tonight and did not disappoint. He played a flawless game, orchestrating on offense and defense. Robin finished with 7 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and no turnovers in 28 minutes. The rebounding was a clinic in great box outs and sneaky crashing from the perimeter. Big time performance. Finn Sullivan also impressed, doing his best Bailey Patella impression bringing big energy and changing momentum. Sullivan finished with 8 points, 3 steals, and a big time block. He did get a technical foul after a big dunk but the energy was infectious. The "big block and then a three at the other end" sequence was a crucial piece of the second half dominance. Justin Mazzulla played a big time 26 minutes as the small ball big man and finished with 9 points. He played tough on both ends and his versatility is going to be huge for the Cats this season. Kam Gibson looked good in his debut as well. He has a very shifty offensive game and will have some big games for the Cats this season.
Vermont played loose and with energy tonight. This is one of those groups that is the sum of their parts. Very unselfish and everyone is ready when it is their time. Now they can carry that loose energy into a showdown with Maryland on Saturday afternoon. What a great was to kick off the season.
The highlight for me was the level of team defense they played and early season poise that I did not expect! They played like a team that is actually listening to their coaches... I hope they play loose and poised versus Maryland.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Much further ahead. That is a direct result of the transfer rule and COVID year. Guys who have played a lot of college basketball, no bringing along a young guy to fill a role. I really think not being picked first gives them an opportunity to go out there and play loose. Expectations have gotten so high in Catamount country that some years you can see the weight of the expectations in their tight play. A great opener for sure.
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