#7 Virginia holds off tough Vermont team 61-55 (11-19-19)
By: Darrell Owens
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA-After coming off a 60-42 victory over Columbia last Saturday, #7 Virginia had its sights on a very tough Vermont team on Tuesday night. Led by Anthony Lamb, the Honorable Mention All-American for last season, this matchup would prove tough for the defending national champions. Both teams came into this matchup undefeated, Virginia 3-0 and Vermont 4-0. Defense has been the calling card for both teams so far this season, so we knew we would be in for a treat in this game and good game we would get.
Virginia would go on to win this game 61-55. Mamadi Diakite led the Cavs with 19 points grabbing 6 rebounds in the process. Kihei Clark (15 points) & Braxton Key (14 points) helped out in the points department for Virginia. The three Virginia stars have continued to show that they can handle the pressure of defending a national title, but it will only get tougher from here.
Vermont’s Anthony Lamb led all scorers with 30 points. Lamb went 7-for-14 from 3-point land, shooting 10-for-21 overall from the floor. Lamb was able to show throughout the game why he is one of the best players in the country. Unfortunately, Lamb did not get help in the scoring area from anyone else besides Stef Smith who had 13 points.
Both teams will be on the road in their next contest. Vermont (4-1) will be heading to the Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament in Connecticut. Vermont will face Central Connecticut at 7:30pm. #7 Virginia (4-0) will also be in the tournament and their game will be at noon on Saturday vs. UMass.