March Madness Preview: 13 Vermont vs 4 Duke

It is time for the best weekend of the year. There is nothing better than the first few days of March Madness. Easily the best sporting event of the year. Every year that Vermont makes the tournament, it adds even more excitement to the tourney. After reflecting on the matchup the last few days it honestly doesn't get any better than this. A marquee time slot, against a marquee college basketball program, in a location that allows for fans and many families (especially for TJ Long's) to attend the game. What more could you ask for? I haven't been this excited in a long time and one of the reasons is the Cats get to enter as true underdogs, ready to pull off the impossible. So many of the last few tournament that Vermont has made, they were often a buzzy upset pick. It has been great that the program has such incredible respect and recognition around the country. It did however create this feeling of disappointment when they didn't pull the upset. I love that Becker and company are pushing this program to win tournament games and make a run. It is an incredible goal and an amazing place to be as a program. For Vermont who is always the favorite and plays as Goliath in the America East, it will be fun to get to play as David. What a rush it will be for the Cats to step on the court at Barclays on Friday night and leave it all out on the floor. It is what makes college basketball the best. On any given night, anything can happen. 

For Vermont to win, they will be relying on their trademark defense that has carried them all year. Becker has talked at length about this being his best defensive group and they have demonstrated that dynamic ability all season. Shamir Bogues and Ileri Ayo-Faleye give the Cats two defenders who can defend every position and make dynamic, game changing plays. Duke presents their toughest challenge of the season but I do think Vermont's defense can give the Blue Devils a challenge. If the defense can keep them in the game the other ingredient will be getting hot from three. Vermont has good shooters and have shown the ability to get open looks in their offense. Unfortunately at times this season, the shots just refuse to fall. Maybe the basketball gods have been saving all of the makes for this one magical game? Fingers crossed for a TJ Long heater. If nothing else this group is one of the most relentless, gutsy, and mentally tough teams that Vermont has had. There will be no quit and they will be ready to believe. I am beyond excited to see this team come out and compete.

If Duke prevails it will be because they make their perimeter shots. Make no mistake, for Vermont to have a chance, the Blue Devils would need to have an off shooting night from distance. They are a top tier three point shooting team and when they are on, they are very tough to beat. Another thing that works in Duke's favor is that they are comfortable playing at a slow methodical pace. Vermont has had success against uptempo teams by slowing them down and frustrating them with their methodical approach. Duke will not be phased by the slow tempo and will relish playing in the half court. Kyle Filipowski has had a incredible season and has been a tough matchup all season. He is the key to the Duke offense and it will be exciting to see what kind a game plan Vermont goes with. The Duke guards and their ability to hit shots will be the deciding factor in this game. Last year against Marquette it was one takeover stretch from a guard playing with momentum that buried the Cats and I think keeping the Blue Devil guards from taking over will be key. 

As a fun sidebar for the Cats, Bogues is 15 points and Long is 22 points away from 1,000 for their respective careers. Imagine if they both got to that number? 

This weekend is gonna rock. Can't wait to binge some basketball.