Vermont Dominates New Hampshire 80-57 Behind Ben Johnson's 26 Points

Vermont asserted its dominance over New Hampshire from the opening tip, cruising to an 80-57 victory at Patrick Gymnasium. The Catamounts' Ben Johnson stole the show, scoring 26 points to lead all players. Johnson's impressive performance was complemented by Gus Yalden's 16 points and 8 rebounds, as well as TJ Hurley's 13 points. The trio's collective effort propelled Vermont to a 42-29 halftime lead, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.

New Hampshire's Comeh Emuobor tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 12 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Vermont's balanced attack. The Wildcats' Belal El Shakery and Tyler Bike chipped in with 10 points each, but their contributions were overshadowed by Vermont's superior firepower. As the second half unfolded, Vermont continued to pull away, outscoring New Hampshire 38-28 to seal the 23-point win.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Vermont winning by 14.4 points, and while the margin was larger than expected, the outcome was spot on. The Catamounts' convincing victory was a reflection of their strength, particularly on their home court. With the win, Vermont improves to 15-10 on the season, while New Hampshire falls to 8-14.

The game's outcome has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Vermont, this win falls into Quadrant 4, which may not be the most desirable designation, but a win is a win. The Catamounts want to build on this momentum as they navigate the remainder of their conference schedule. On the other hand, New Hampshire's loss is classified as a Quadrant 3 defeat, which won't severely damage their resume but certainly won't help their cause.

As the season enters its final stretch, Vermont will aim to leverage this win as a springboard for a strong finish. With Ben Johnson leading the charge, the Catamounts have the potential to make some noise in their conference tournament. For New Hampshire, the focus shifts to regrouping and finding ways to compete with the likes of Vermont. While this loss may not be devastating, it highlights the Wildcats' need to elevate their game if they hope to contend in the conference.

The victory solidifies Vermont's position in the conference standings, and while it may not be a marquee win, it's a crucial one for their tournament chances. As the Catamounts continue to push for a postseason berth, they'll rely on performances like Johnson's to carry them through the ups and downs of the season.