JUSTIN MAZZULLA

Vermont 71 UNH 50

Now that is a bounce back. 

Vermont used a scorching first half from three to bury UNH and clinch their 6th consecutive league title. What an accomplishment for this group that was underrated going into the season and just put together one of the most dominant streaks in Vermont history to begin conference play. Gonzaga is the only other school with a consecutive title run equal to the Cats (they have won 9 straight) and anytime you are in the same conversation as the Zags, you are doing something right. It was also Becker's 250th career win so a big congratulations to him and the program he has built. The game tonight was over early on as Vermont came out hot on offense and relentless on defense. Nobody wants to lose but it almost looked like the weight of the building expectations had been lifted and the Cats could once again focus on the game at hand instead of all the outside noise of the win streak. They were playing loose from the opening tip. The Cats get a much deserved day off at home to get ready and hopefully healthy for the stretch run. After the stress from the loss on Monday night faded it was a good opportunity to reflect on the insane run the Cats just went on. This program is in pretty rarefied air when one loss feels so intense. The way this team has scored the ball on offense it something unique and rare. They have been in "best in the country" territory for two months now and it has been a thing of beauty. Definitely a good moment to reflect and appreciate. 

Justin Mazzulla was unbelievable tonight scoring 21 points on 6/8 shooting from three. He looked like he was having so much fun out there on the court and deserved a night like this for all the hard work he has put in in the trenches this season. Ben Shungu squeaked ahead to lead the Cats with 22 points on a 9-13 shooting effort from the field. He and Mazzulla basically won the game in the first 10 minutes with their shooting and defense. Robin Duncan was also great in the first half with 8 points, attacking the basket relentlessly. Isaiah Powell continues to do all the little things finishing with 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Nick Fiorillo played very well in his spot start with 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kam Gibson continued his resurgence with 7 points and both he and Fiorillo are starting to improve on the defensive end. 

The Cats showed a ton of heart in bouncing back and dominating in the way that they did. The fire has been reignited as they get ready for a big home showdown with UMBC on Saturday. Now Saturday is my birthday and I am bringing the whole family so to say I am excited is an understatement.