A Rematch of the 2022 America East Championship Game Goes the Way of Vermont

By: Ethan Hennessy

Catonsville Maryland

Vermont entered Sunday’s game against UMBC with an uncharacteristic 6-8 record. John Becker’s teams usually have that many losses the entire season not when entering conference play. UMBC coach Jim Ferry said when asked about Vermont’s record entering the game, “I’ve been coaching at this level a long time. Records heading into league play mean nothing.” Graduate transfer Matt Veretto scored the first seven points for the Catamounts. He and Jarvis Doles got into a scuffle early on in the game and got reprimanded by the ref, but they seemed to have a personal competition trading baskets early. By the time the under eight timeout rolled around Vermont went on a little run to extend the lead to nine. UMBC was working on the offensive glass pulling down seven rebounds of the offensive variety and converting it into seven second change points, but they were unable to pass the league favorites on the scoreboard. Vermont took a 36-31 lead into halftime.

John Becker spent the beginning of the second half complaining to the refs about calls going against Vermont. When an offensive foul was called against Craig Beaudion on an out of control transition layup attempt UMBC coach Jim Ferry took his turn arguing with the officials. Dylan Penn scored six points in four seconds from 15:14 to 15:10 when he stole the inbounds after a layup. UMBC turned it over again, and he also scored. Penn accumulated 15 second half points. Vermont won the game 74-61. Next for the Catamounts they host America East newcomer Bryant on Thursday in the conference’s only nationally televised regular season game. UMBC welcomes Albany to town also on Thursday.