Vermont vs Hartford 1/22/22

Vermont 82 Hartford 72

Vermont faced their first stiff test in the America East.

Ryan Davis and Ben Shungu made sure they passed. 

Vermont staved off an energized Hartford second half run and executed down the stretch to continue their hot start to conference play. In the first half Vermont had another ultra efficient offensive performance and raced out to a 45-28 halftime lead. In the second half the roles were reversed as Vermont's defense fell apart and Hartford took advantage. The Hawks ran relentless high pick and rolls, got to the rim at will, and were hot from beyond the arc. Vermont was visibly shaken and back on their heels for the first time in a long time. Hartford came all the way back and took the lead at 63-61 with 6:31 remaining. Shungu immediately hit a three to retake the lead. Hartford punched right back and retook the lead at 65-64. Then it was Davis' turn to knock down a three and Vermont took the lead for good. Shungu and Davis scored all but two of the Cats 21 points after Hartford took the lead. The dynamic duo were there to lead Vermont to victory. As I said in my last post, Hartford's record was deceptive and the Hawks were undeterred by the large first half deficit. This was a good test for the Cats. The last stretch of games was fun to watch but at some point every team is going to face some adversity or not be at their best and the mark of a great team is still finding a way to win. They needed a reminder about winning tough games and how important it is to not become complacent.  That was the first time all year the Cats have given up over 70 points and they will certainly need to go into the film room and fix a few things on defense. 

Shungu led the Cats with 24 points and punctuated the victory with a dunk. Shungu was flat out dominant down the stretch as he has been all year. Davis was right there with him pouring in 21 points of his own. Isaiah Powell shook off a tough game last time out and was huge with 16 points and 7 rebounds. He continues to impress with his all around play. Aaron Deloney has really come on strong and is providing a big time spark for Vermont off the bench. He scored 8 points off the bench and his ability to get to the rim is opening things up for the Cats on offense. Finn Sullivan finally came back down to earth with only one made three but did have 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and drew two huge charges on Hartford star Austin Williams. It was great that the first one went the Cats way as it was a 50/50 call (and close to a flop), but the second one was a great double by he and Shungu to force the foul. 

A good win ahead of the matchup with Stony Brook on the road. The Seawolves are going to want to redeem themselves and have won three in a row after getting demolished at Patrick. It was good for the Cats to play in a tough back and forth game before the big showdown.