Knights Upend YSCC Rival NHTI

The men’s basketball team extended their season long win streak to 9-0 by cruising past second place NHTI, 103-63, to take a firm hold on first place in the Yankee Small College Conference.  The Knights are now 7-0 in YSCC conference play.  NHTI is 4-2.

Vermont Tech’s own version of Batman and Robin, Nick Simpson and Kevin Carr, once again led the way.  The dynamic duo combined for 40 points in the first half alone to give VTC a commanding half time lead, 54-25.  NHTI was never able to get back in the game. “Buckets” Simpson finished with a game high 33 points and “K.C.” Carr ended with 24 points.  Trent Roleau had his third double-double of the season, finishing with 13 points and 14 rebounds.  Alex Tyrrell nailed 13 points in spite of sitting out most of the first half with foul trouble.  John Robinson scored 10 points on four thrilling drives to the basket and two free throws.  Josh Lindsey just missed double digits in scoring but hauled down 10 important rebounds.

Coach Dyer praised his team’s resilience after the game. “This group has really come together nicely.  I never expected a lopsided win against NHTI.  They are a solid team and I suspect we’ll be seeing them in the playoffs in February.  We all felt that we didn’t perform our best in the last outing against Central Maine.  The guys really came back strong. We played with energy tonight. This team suffered some early season disappointments with the loss of two key players, Nick Kirwan and Eko N’Bouke.  Everyone simply stepped up their performance and we haven’t missed a beat.”

Power forward Eko N’Bouke has been sidelined after knee surgery.  He is expected to return in January.

The Knights travel to Auburn, Maine this weekend for a re-match with Central Maine and a contest with last year’s YSCC champion, U Maine-Augusta.