Vermont obliterated their third consecutive playoff opponent and punched their ticket to the NCAA tourney. As they have done all season this team came out and played with all the grit and determination they needed. A complete game on the both sides of the ball and one that once again showcased the incredible chemistry and trust that this year's team has had. This group cemented their place as one of the all time great Vermont teams. Not since the 2005 squad has a team so consistently dominated opponents. I understand that the competition in the conference was down a bit this season but it was the way this team won that sets them apart. Vermont fans have had their share of playoff heartbreak, seeing a dominant regular season team falter in the playoffs, play tense, or struggle to execute. Tense, close games and grinders as teams try to find their footing have been regular occurrences in the America East playoffs. This team believed with every ounce of their being that they were going to win. I have never had so much fun watching a team grow throughout the season. Every game someone different stepped up and made plays. The team got better and better as the year went on. The way this team played this season highlighted the beauty of basketball with their incredible passing and shotmaking and with their defensive tenacity. The defense down the stretch of the season was nearly perfect. They took every team out of their offensive rhythm and made it darn near impossible to score. They are certainly a dangerous team come tournament time as a likely 13 seed and if they get the right matchup they can absolutely pull the upset.
Ben Shungu capped off a legendary season with another incredible performance. 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and a dunk that took the roof off of Patrick Gym. His growth and determination to turn himself into the player he has become is something out of a hollywood movie. Even the most optimistic, die hard Cats fan, would've had a hard time predicting just how far Shungu could go. They should name the floor after him. He etched his name as an all time legend. Ryan Davis led the Cats with 20 points on 9/13 shooting in another dominating performance inside. He got in early foul trouble but bounced back with an incredible second half. Finn Sullivan played an incredible game on both sides of the ball with 14 points (3/5 from three) and 3 steals. It was so great to see him impact the game offensively again as he does so many little things that help the Cats win. Nick Fiorillo filled in for Davis in the first half and was great on defense and on the boards. Isaiah Powell was aggressive on offense and finished with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Justin Mazzulla stuffed the stat sheet once again (6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) as the ultimate glue guy. Aaron Deloney also led the Cats with 5 assists and really impacted the game despite only making one shot. Every Catamount that stepped on the floor was locked in a ready to get the title. It was fun to watch and the crowd was awesome.
Can't wait for the selection show tomorrow night to find out the Cats next opponent.
Lee, which projected 4 seed do you like as a match up for a 13 seed Vermont team. I'v seen UCLA as a possible match. The name alone concerns me but so does their style of play. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteHonestly there is still a lot of movement in that seeding area. There are a number of teams it could be. THe UCLA matchup would certainly be one of the tougher options. I would prefer someone else.
DeleteI've heard Providence in Buffalo. It's all noise at this point. I hope we can somehow get a 4 seed... Benny has been unreal. Finn was/is such a find. Thanks for writing.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the Providence matchup but after they got blown out by Creighton I would be surprised if they stay at the 4 line. They are gonna drop I think. Benny had an all time season. Finn has been great. Glad you enjoy the blog!
Delete