Knights Drop Re-Match with Maine-Machias
Quick start and Carr's 28pts not enough to save the Knights
Vermont Tech travelled to Machias, Maine over the weekend to take on the University of Maine-Maschias Clippers in their home gym. The Knights hoped to avenge last week's 80-70 home loss to UMM, but it was not to be.
"Our team is in the process of redefining itself," said Coach Dyer. "We simply don't have the same type of line up that we did during the first semester. If we play smart, stop the mistakes and never lose our will, we'll be okay. Its going to take a little time."
During the first half, the Knights followed the script put forth by Coach Dyer. "We passed the ball really well. We cut off the turnover valve. We played imaginative, aggressive defense. We got to the line and made the shots. The goals we put up on the blackboard, we accomplished."The result was a 33-28 lead.
The second half was a different story. The Clippers caught on to the Knights defensive strategy and their shooters caught fire. Midway through the second half, the Clippers hit four consecutive three's to go on a 12-0 run. The Knights answered with a Kevin Carr (Senior, Westminster, MD) basket, only to be followed by another Clipper trey. Will Lewis, David Mendez and Aaron Van Buren all hit from beyond the arc during the 15-2 run. UMM opened a ten point lead with seven minutes to play. The Knights battled back to five but didn't have the gas left to finish the job. UMM hit their free throws in the waning minutes of the game to preserve a ten point victory.
Carr finished with a game high 28 points. Juinor Alex Tyrrell (Sydney, Australia) hit for 17 and Freshman Lucas Dutil (Barre, VT)had 12. Sophomore Cody Chamberlin (Northfield, VT) put forth a fine effort as well, garnering 8pts and 9rbds. Five players hit double figures for the Clippers wtih point guard Will Lewis and power forward Floyd Higgins leading the way with 16 points each.
"Machias is a tough team," said Coach Dyer after the game. "I really like their ball club. They are extremely balanced. They can play inside and outside. They are patient. Coach Brac Brady figured out what we wanted to do defensively and countered beautifully. UMM will be a very tough match up for anyone in the playoffs. Our guys will be OK after a few more games. We're playing a different brand of basketball and our guys have to make the new system work for forty minutes. The first half was the type of VTC basketball we'll have to play if we want to win. I'm confident that we will bounce back."
The Knights are now 11-8 on the season and 5-4 in the YSCC.
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