Vermont shot a blistering 63% from the field, including a 14-23 (61%) effort from three, dominating UMass Lowell and taking control of the race for the regular season title. The final score is closer the game felt. Everette Hammond did everything he could to bring Lowell back with a 29 point second half, but the result was never really in doubt. Similarly to the Maine game the Cats were up big before trading buckets for most of the rest of the game. In the first half Vermont made 10 three pointers, slicing up the Lowell defense. In the second half, the Cats attacked the rim relentlessly and were able to get whatever they wanted on offense. It was a total team effort with everyone who played getting into the scoring column and 5 players in double figures. This win puts the Cats back in the crosshairs as the title favorite. Quite a turn around and both the coaching staff and the players should be incredibly proud with how their blood, sweat, and tears have paid off so far this season.
Finn Sullivan continued his charge with his fourth 20 point game of the conference season. Sullivan hit 5 threes in first half, before finishing with 25 points and 5 rebounds. He demonstrated how important he is to this team helping avenge the loss to UMass Lowell, a game he missed earlier in the conference season. He is playing with confidence and has really found a way to channel all the emotion and energy that he has always played with. Dylan Penn also reached the 20 point barrier with another 8-8 effort from the line. Penn has is actually on a streak of 23 consecutive made free throws (sorry about the inevitable jinx). He also chipped in 5 assists with some really beautiful passes in tonight's game. Matt Veretto had a near perfect shooting night finishing with 14 points on 4-4 (3-3 from three) shooting from the field and a 3-4 effort from the line. Robin Duncan continued his stat stuffing domination with 15 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Aaron Deloney chipped in 10 points to round out the double figure scorers.
Now it is time to avenge the other conference loss when New Hampshire comes to town. The crowd was great tonight and I hope for another good one on Wednesday.
Thank you for the coverage....
ReplyDeleteHas Becker reached out to Middlebury's Alex Sobel re his extra year of eligibility?
I have not heard any info on that front.
DeleteGreat win for Vermont over a talented and imposing Lowell squad. Shot the lights out outscore a very good offensive team. So many open looks. Even this late in the season Lowell doesn't play a lot of defense. Stay solid and the conference regular season looking good.
ReplyDeleteLowell is a different team on the road so securing that home court will go a long way.
DeleteThey placed themselves in charge of their own future regarding a top seed lock. If they keep the roll going and win the next 3 they have the lock. Of course it is a big IF with both NH and Binghamton in that grouping. The team is playing with great chemistry. The defense was a bit off in this game but a win is a win. It was an exciting game!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to watch. It is good that the UNH and Binghamton games are at home down the stretch.
DeleteThat first half was a thing of beauty: Sullivan, Penn and Veretto have found their groove both on offense and defense. Penns free throw shooting of late is a bonus for upcoming tight games. Kudos to Cam Gibson for accepting his role with toughness. Not to mention Robin D. who makes it all work with grit.
ReplyDeleteI was a little worried watching the second half and the ease with which Lowell scored the ball- and they don't miss their free throws. They will be tough in the playoffs.