December 2, 2018

Knights Split Home Weekend

Bryant & Stratton (Albany)

7-2, 0-0

Vermont Tech

8-3, 5-1

Final

Bryant & Stratton (Albany) 7-2, 0-0

Vermont Tech 8-3, 5-1

The Vermont Tech Men's Basketball team went 1-1, in a weekend at home, against Unity College and Bryant and Stratton College - Albany.

The weekend started in a YSCC conference match up with Unity College. The Knights came away with the 89-66 win, improving to 5-1 in conference play.

The score line in the game does not accurately show how hard fought the a contest this was. The first half had multiple lead changes, and after a 3 point basket from the visiting Rams they led 23-22 with seven minutes to play in the half. Over the next three and a half minutes the Knights were able to go on a 15-3 run, capped by a Trekel Douglas three. At the half the home team was up 43-30

In the second half the Rams did not go away. They cut the lead to nine multiple times, and battled hard at every chance. A break away dunk by Eric Montanez stretched the led to 20 points, 75-55. It would stay about that amount and as the buzzer sounded the men had won 89-66.

Coach Tyrrell was happy to come away with a conference win.

"Unity play so hard and are so well coached", said Coach Tyrrell. "Coach Witts does a great job, and I always enjoy the contests with his teams. Our guys did a great job of sharing the basketball and rebounding tonight. We continue to make improvements with each game.

Tyrone Hilson and Eric Montanez both had 18 points and 8 rebounds. Trekel Douglas added 17 off the bench.

19 hours later the Men were back in action against Bryant and Stratton College - Albany. This game was a battle from start to finish. Unfortunately for the Knights, the Bobcats sunk a basket as the buzzer expired to give them the 62-61 win.

At tough shooting first half for the Knights saw them go 0-9 from 3 and just 33 percent from the field. Bryant and Stratton played tough, physical defense and took a 34-31 lead to the break.

The Knights shot the ball much better in the second half, and with 5 minutes to play had a 57-52 lead. However, as well as they shot, it was not enough to make up for the second half turnover numbers. 15 turnovers in the half led to 10 points for the visitors, which was ultimately the deciding factor.

Improved consistency in the half court will be a key for the knights moving forward.

"We struggled in the half court tonight", said Coach Tyrrell. "Credit to Byrant and Stratton for guarding us well. Our group has done a great job so far of making improvements when needed and we will again use this as a learning experience".

Trekel Douglas led the Knights off the bench with 18 points. Drake Perry and Jeremiah Shaw added 16 and 18 points repectively.

The lose move Vermont Tech to 8-3 overall. They will next face College of St. Joseph's - Rutland on Wednesday, December 5 in SHAPE Gym. Tip will be a 7 p.m.