Vermont 79 Binghamton 57
Vermont buried Binghamton in the middle 20 minutes and punched their ticket to the America East final. At the beginning of the game the defenses for both teams were playing with intensity and energy. Then Dylan Penn caught fire, burying a career high four threes. Penn actually outscored the Bearcats on his own in the first half. Then to open the second half it was Kam Gibson's turn to take over. Gibson scored Vermont's first 11 points of the second half and the Cats never looked back. Vermont shot a scorching 60% from the field and committed only 4 turnovers. This team is absolutely locked in and just played their two best and most complete games of the season. They have found another gear in March and are truly playing their best basketball of the season.
Penn finished with 26 points on 11-17 shooting. He looks faster and faster every game and is relentless when he starts to feel it. The three point shooting was an unexpected bonus and is another example of how Penn has proven to be a player who can take his game to another level in the postseason. Kam Gibson finished with 15 points on 7-8 shooting following his second half outburst. Aaron Deloney gutted his way to 13 points to round out the double figure scorers. Tonight the player off the bench that changed the momentum was Ileri Ayo-Faleye. He had a couple nice buckets, and assist, and a steal in a crucial stretch in the first half. Finn Sullivan had another off night on offense but played gritty and tough on the defensive end. He has lost a little confidence on offense over the last few games and needs to see one go through the net. Robin Duncan continued his incredibly steady, heart and soul role, with another 8 rebound, 8 assist performance. It is just incredible to watch his attention to detail and ability to dominate those two facets of the game so consistently.
Now the stage is set for the rubber match to end all rubber matches. UMass Lowell was the last team to beat Vermont and Vermont was the last team to beat UMass Lowell. The two best teams in the America East ready to duke it out for the title on Saturday. There is nothing better than a sold out finals at Patrick.
Was at the game ( I don’t live in Vermont but was up skiing ) the entire team was locked in on defense and as soon as Penn started hitting from 3 the game got all intents ( I was going to say intense ) and purposes was over . Need to take care of business Saturday. I was following the UNH v U Mass Lowell with UNH at the line down 5 shooting a 1 and 1 next I looked the lost by 11. It’s fitting the two best teams will face off in the finals here’s hoping we’re dancing Saturday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteShould be a great game on Saturday!
DeleteAt this time there isn't much that any AE team can can do to overcome UVM's complete game at both ends of the court. If Penn comes out hot then, after some ball movement which leaves the opponent disorganized, Penn will get the ball in a position to score. The opposing coach will have his defense distort itself to stop Penn with a double team, only to have an open UVM player drill it. At the other end UVM guards close enough to know just what the opponent had for supper and makes every shot a wild one. Becker Basketball is what UVM plays all 40 minutes at this point in the season.
ReplyDeletePenn playing at such a high level raises Vermont's ceiling for sure. When they are engaged like that on both ends of the floor the Cats are tough to beat.
DeleteWhat a great game! Binghamton tried to guard UVM straight up without much doubling and only cursory help side and Dylan and Cam made them pay! The UVM defense forced Binghamton right up against the shot clock time and again. Still, Lowell is a team that can put up some serious offense in a hurry. UVM will need a whole team, whole game defensive effort to beat them. This kind of game is where the UVM depth will need to prove itself… WOW, I can’t wait!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe coaching adjustments and game planning in the championship game are fun to watch. Teams are familiar with each other and there are so many games within the game.
DeleteThe Dylan Penn that was advertised we have been able to finally get to know! How sweet was it that he goes and makes four 3s…was not expecting that!
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down to the game they all play for and it’s at PATRICK. And that just might be the difference. UML is not quite the same team on the road, although still to be feared. They are 3-5 on the road compared to Cats 8-0 at home.
Lowell played much better on the road down the stretch. They too seem to be playing their best basketball at the right time. Gonna be a great battle.
DeleteIf the Cats can recreate the same offensive and defensive pressure Saturday they will be very difficult to beat in any gym. Imagine if Verretto and Sullivan also produce better offensive performances on top of it all…
ReplyDeleteThat is the type of performance that wins games in March. It always fun to see who steps up we the lights are brightest.
DeleteReally happy for Cam Gibson- its great for a "glue guy" to put up some numbers. Every good team needs a Cam Gibson, this years Justin Mazzula.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Kam is such a solid player and has worked really hard to make himself valuable. Love to see that hard work rewarded.
DeleteIf Vermont takes care of the ball and capitalizes on UML’s mistakes which they are prone to then I like their chances making the big dance again. I’m going to assume their experience and home court will be another big advantage. UML is definitely a talented team but we just need to play our game and hope we shoot the ball well. Barring an ice cold shooting performance and we should win by 8-10 pts…
ReplyDeleteThe turnover battle and the three point line will be the two areas that will define the outcome. If Vermont continues their focus and execution from the last two games they will put themselves in a position to win.
DeleteGreat win. Team is playing its best at the right time. Everyone knows their role and performs it extremely well. Defense is playing great. Offense is moving the ball and hitting shots. Even so, Lowell is a serious threat. Their a very talented roster. Great size and scoring. They have road wins their last 2 away games at UMBC and Bryant, so they have made strides playing away from home. Should be a great game on Saturday morning.
ReplyDeleteIt has all come together at the right time for Vermont. Lowell is also paying great basketball and it should be a fun battle on Saturday.
DeleteGreat setup for this weekend. I would love to see UVM execute on its calling card…defense. If they play tough Catamount defense that we have come to know through the Becker era, they will get their opportunities on offense. The maturation of the team throughout the season suggests that even if a typical offensive player has an off night (eg Finn) there enough weapons to pick him up. Go Cats Go.
ReplyDeleteDefense for the win!
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