Men’s Hoops: Catamounts Bow to UNCG 54-53

Posted on by George Commo

Courtesy Vermont Sports Information

BURLINGTON –– Anthony Lamb registered his fourth 20-point game of the season, but Vermont fell to UNC Greensboro 54-53 on Wednesday night at Patrick Gym.

COACH’S QUOTE
“It was a tough loss tonight but I thought our guys fought hard,” Cioffi Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Becker. “I thought we didn’t execute down the stretch but give credit to UNCG, they’re a good team. We will look at the tape and move onto Lipscomb.”

HOW IT HAPPENED
UNCG took an early five-point lead before the first media timeout, but Vermont clawed back to grab 12-11 lead. Ryan Davis picked up an offensive board and kicked it out pass to Robin Duncan, who nailed a three-pointer for UVM’s first lead of the game.
The Catamounts extended their lead to as big as six points. Stef Smith drilled a trey and Ben Shungu made both free throws for a 21-15 advantage. Lamb had eight points in the final four minutes as UVM went to the locker room with a 33-30 lead.
The non-conference foes exchanged baskets early in the second half, but the Cats extended their lead to 46-40 after Lamb hit a pair of free throws. Kyrin Galloway and Michael Huiett Jr. made back-to-back triples to quickly erase the deficit. The Spartans grabbed their first lead since the 13:10 mark of the first half when Isaiah Miller netted a long-range shot for a 49-46 lead with 5:32 left in regulation.
UVM answered with two free throws by Davis, a block by Shungu, and a driving layup by Lamb to grab a 52-49 lead. Malik Massey knotted the game at 52-52 with a triple and James Dickey hit both free throws to take a 54-52 lead.
On the game’s final possession, Vermont had a chance to win the game but could not connect on a long-distance attempt at the top of the key.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Lamb had a game-high 23 points, gathered seven rebounds, and recorded two blocks.
Ben Shungu chipped in seven points and pulled in five rebounds.
Daniel Giddens tallied six boards and also registered a block for the Catamounts.

UP NEXT
Vermont continues the home slate against Lipscomb on Friday (Dec. 20). The tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. at Patrick Gym. Tickets are available for purchase at UVMathletics.com/Tickets or at the Patrick Gym Box Office on gameday. The second-ever meeting between the two programs can be seen on ESPN+. Fans can also listen live on the Vermont Sports Network, from Learfield IMG College, on 101.3 The Game or online at Catamounts All-Access with Jake Marsh on the call.