Ben Shungu pumped in a career high 27 points but Vermont faded down the stretch in their first loss of the season. Vermont came out agressive for the second straight game and dictated the pace of place from the tip. Much like the opener, offensively the Cats pushed the pace and used swarming double teams to keep the Terps off balance on defense. Shungu was phenomenal in the first half, scoring 20 points and dominating on both ends of the floor. In the second half Maryland turned up their defense and physicality, dominating Vermont on the boards, and forcing the Cats into tough contested shots. For 75% of the game Vermont was just as poised and in control as in the opener. The perimeter shooting really failed them down the stretch as they couldn't get the timely shots to fall as they did in the opener. However it was another impressive showing. To go at a ranked team on the road and continue to play with poise and dictate play was impressive. The Cats only turned the ball over seven times as the guard depth continues to initiate the offense effectively. They are still searching for that consistency from the rotation players to become threats from the permeter which is not surprising so early in the season. On the defensive end they are using their speed and length for aggressive double teams and jumping passing lanes. They have been able to neutralize the big men in two straight games with the small ball lineups. Watching a game against a tough ranked opponent on the road and starting to feel disappointed when they are not winning is a testament to how strong they looked as the Terps pulled away down the stretch.
Shungu was just tremendous in this one. So much has already been said about his hard work and the transformation he has gone through. But somehow it still doesn't seem like enough. I have never seen a player systematically improve their game piece by piece from where Shungu started to where he is now. He scored from everywhere, slicing to the rim, knocking down big time threes, and even a gorgeous step back from the baseline. Everytime he has been challenge by the coaching staff to take on a new role for the Cats, he has exceeded expectations. This season they have asked him to be the guy for Vermont on the perimeter and if the first two games are any indication, he will continue to set the bar higher and higher. Isaiah Powell isn't far behind in his own transformation. There were times during his first couple seasons where it was nerve-wracking watching him dribble or shoot. All over the place and unsettled were some mild terms used to describe him early on. Now he is equally taking control and proving himself to be a threat from anywhere on the court. Powell finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and led the team with 3 assists. He is shooting from deep with confidence, driving hard to the rim, and finishing through contact. Today he had some beautiful looks to teammates for buckets and was really physical on the boards. He is going to have a big season. Ryan Davis looked a little worse for the wear coming off being sick and struggled to get anything going. Better days ahead for him.
Now a couple of home games in the coming week with Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Tuesday and a tough Yale squad on Friday. I am really looking forward to the Yale matchup as it will be another great test for the Cats. It was a great road trip and I can't wait for the return of regular season basketball (with fans) to Patrick.
