Vermont's TJ Hurley stole the show at Patrick Gymnasium, leading the Catamounts to a 64-55 victory over UMBC. Hurley's impressive performance, which included 18 points and 7 rebounds, propelled Vermont to a nine-point win, surpassing the predicted margin of 3.6 points. The outcome was in line with the pre-game prediction, as CHD Scout had correctly picked Vermont to emerge victorious.
The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm, with Vermont and UMBC heading into the break tied at 29-29. However, the Catamounts came out strong in the second half, outscoring UMBC 35-26 to secure the win. Lucas Mari and Ben Johnson provided valuable support to Hurley, chipping in with 16 and 11 points, respectively. The trio's combined efforts proved too much for UMBC to handle, as Vermont's offense found its groove in the latter stages of the game.
UMBC's Caden Diggs was the standout performer for the Retrievers, scoring 14 points in a valiant effort. Jose Roberto Tanchyn added 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Vermont. Despite a strong showing from their top performers, UMBC's offense ultimately fell short, failing to keep pace with the Catamounts' second-half surge.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The victory is a significant one for Vermont, as it boosts their resume with a Q4 win. Although it was expected, the margin of victory exceeded predictions, which could have a positive impact on their tournament chances. For UMBC, the loss is a Q3 defeat, which may not severely damage their resume but certainly doesn't help their cause. As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this performance, with Vermont aiming to capitalize on their momentum and UMBC seeking to bounce back from the setback.
Vermont's win improves their record to 14-8, while UMBC falls to 12-8. The Catamounts want to continue their winning ways, leveraging the confidence gained from this hard-fought victory. With Hurley and company leading the charge, Vermont is poised to make a push in the tournament conversation. The Retrievers, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, using this loss as a learning experience to drive their future success. As the season enters its critical phase, the implications of this result will be closely watched, with Vermont's Q4 win potentially becoming a key factor in their tournament chances.