Vermont prevailed in the twin state rivalry thanks to a career day from Ben Shungu. The long layoff was no problem for the two teams as each started red hot from three. UNH in particular made 8 first half threes in a back and forth first 20. Ryan Davis hit a late three to give Vermont a one point halftime lead. The Cats made some halftime adjustments to limit the Wildcats three point opportunities and Shungu and Davis did the rest. Both players attacked the basket, finished in traffic, and knocked down big perimeter jumpers. Justin Mazzulla and Robin Duncan played tough defense on UNH star Jayden Martinez, limiting him to 9 points on 3-10 shooting. Vermont as a team shot 63% from the field and 8-15 (53%) from three. An efficient and dominant offensive showing.
Shungu was incredible. That was the best, most complete game I have ever seen him play. He keeps finding ways to get better and carried Vermont from start to finish. From the first possession he had the look of a player who wasn't going to be denied. He knocked down 4-6 from three including two big shots down the stretch in the second half. On what seemed like every other possession he drove to the rim relentlessly showcasing every dip, duck, spin, crossover, you name it, to knife through the defense and score. Shungu finished with a career high 29 points on 11-16 shooting. I know I say it every time but is there a better Vermont basketball story ever? Just an amazing journey and part of what makes college basketball so exciting. Ryan Davis was equal to the task as well with a dominant performance of his own. Davis finished with 19 points on 7-10 shooting and hauled in 7 rebounds. Facing a tough physical defensive effort from UNH, Davis met every challenge thrown at him and made big play after big play down the stretch as well. Justin Mazzulla fought for and stole the opening tip in the best example of hustling for all 40 minutes I have seen. He continues to be everywhere and do everything for the Cats. Mazzulla finished with 10 points and the team just feeds off of his energy. The out of nowhere performance for tonight belongs to Robin Duncan. After missing the last game due to injury, Duncan came off the bench like a man on a mission driving hard to the rim every time he had the ball and finished with 12 points. The last time Duncan was in double figures in scoring was against Hartford on 1-18-20. He has played in 38 games since without scoring in double figures. It was so great to see the old, aggressive Duncan back.
A great way to kick off the conference schedule and I am very excited for the big showdown with the preseason favorites Stony Brook next Wednesday at Patrick.
