This is the game that never ends.........
In another wacky instalment of road trips to Maine, Vermont methodically dismantled the Black Bears en route to their 6th consecutive victory. The game started about an hour and a half late due to the floor at the Cross Insurance Center not being pieced together correctly. Once things got straightened out, The Cats dominated the boards grabbing 10 offensive rebounds and turned the ball over only 3 times while dishing out 19 assists. The low turnover numbers are especially significant as Maine typically forces turnovers at a high rate and Kellen Tynes leads the NCAA in both total steals and steal per game. Vermont has actually been top ten in the nation in turnover rate since the calendar flipped to 2023. The second half was a slog and it wasn't a particularly pretty effort but a road win is a road win. It was good to get some late game situational practice and after struggling mightily from the free throw line in the early part of the game, the Cats were perfect from the line down the stretch. This was a big win against a team that has been playing well in what is always one of the toughest road games of the season. Throw in the extra adversity of the delayed start and the Cats really showed strong mental focus.
Finn Sullivan was tremendous again finishing with 21 points and I believe 10 rebounds (on the last play of the game I believe the live stats misassigned the rebound to Dylan Penn) which would be his first career double double. He also threw in 3 steals in another dominating effort on both ends. Sullivan again attacked the rim and is blossoming in his new role as more of a slashing scorer. Matt Veretto also had another big game with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Another 4 threes from deep as Veretto is quickly becoming the Cats most deadly perimeter shooter. Aaron Deloney chipped in 11 and Dylan Penn scored 14 points by virtue of salting the game away with an 8-8 effort from the line. Robin Duncan once again, unconventional and dominant all at the same time with a 9 rebound, 9 assist night as the heartbeat of the Catamounts. During this incredible stretch Robin has moved into 10th place all time at Vermont in career assists and sits only 17 assists away from 400 for his career. Another amazing milestone.
Now comes the game that has been circled for weeks. The big showdown with UMass Lowell at home. Vermont will be looking to avenge the early season loss on the road and Lowell will be looking to shake off their struggles on the road. Should be an incredible atmosphere on Saturday night at Patrick.
