Men's basketball teams split with a win and a loss over the weekend in Maine
Auburn, ME -
On Saturday night the Vermont Tech men's basketball teamwas able to pull out a win against University of Maine Augusta in a YSCC contest.
The Knights got off to a slow start trailing 10-0 3 minutes into the game. Cameron Carter opened the scoring with a coast to coast layup. The first half was not smooth sailing as the Moose made 3 point shots early and often against the Knights lackluster defense. A 15-7 run by the Knights put the game tied at 25 a piece with 5 minutes remaining in the half. At half the team were locked a 27-27.
The second half started with a Knights turnover and transition dunk for the Moose. This did not phase the men as they went on a 20-7 run and led 47-36 midway through the second. They would continue to stretch the lead to as many as 22, before finally closing the game with a 15-point margin, 71-56.
Coach Tyrrell liked the resiliency of his team throughout the night but stressed better execution to his players.
"We played with a good pace tonight on the offensive end but did not play with great control", said Coach Tyrrell. "Defensively we picked it up after the first 10 minutes of the game, but we were unable to capitalize on those efforts at the offensive end. That will come together for us as we continue to focus on our style of play. The guys are attempting to do what we ask, it will just take us a little time to get comfortable at that pace."
Freshman Deitric Grant had a 21 point and 22 rebound game for the Knights.
"I asked Deitric to improve his rebounding numbers from our scrimmages and he has done just that", Tyrrell added. "It was very pleasing to see him respond to that challenge".
Junior Cameron Carter led all scores with 22 points, along with 14 rebounds and 6 steals.
On Sunday, the men faced Central Maine in the second YSCC Conference game of their road weekend. The Knights went down 99-76.
Coach Tyrrell stressed the importance controlling the ball and shot selection to the team after the game.
"We want to play with pace, but with controlled pace", said Coach Tyrrell. "We didn't do that today. It is tough to win games on the road in college basketball and even harder if you turn it 24 times leading to 39 points". "The great thing is we play again on Tuesday so we will have another opportunity to be better very soon".
