Articles

Vermont Men's Basketball Falls at Home to Quinnipiac 62-58

Details

Created on Sunday, 11 December 2011 23:45

Written by George Commo

Four Cats in double figures, but UVM went only 11-for-22 from the line

Courtesy Vermont Sports Information

BURLINGTON  – Jamee Jackson netted a game-high 20 points to lead visiting Quinnipiac to a 62-58 victory over the Vermont men's basketball team on Sunday afternoon at Patrick Gym. Four Cats tallied double figures, but UVM went only 11-for-22 from the line as it drops its forth straight overall and sits at 4-6 on the season.

Quinnipiac (5-4) took the lead for good on a layup from Ike Azotam that made it 52-51 with 4:19 remaining in the contest to earn its first win over Vermont in six career meetings. Sophomore Brian Voelkel paced the Catamounts with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while classmate Josh Elbaum added a career-high 11 points off the bench.

“Another tough game today. Quinnipiac played a tough, physical game and beat us up on the glass and they made the plays down the stretch to win the game. I give them all the credit,” said Vermont head coach John Becker. “I am looking forward to practice right now and getting at it, trying to get better in preparation for Iona.”

Quinnipiac opened the game with the first four points before Vermont responded with nine straight to take an early lead. The Bobcats used an 11-2 spurt to regain control at 15-11 just 7:02 in, as they started the game making eight of their first 15 attempts. Trailing 17-13, the Catamounts netted nine straight to go back on top 22-17. Elbaum spurred the run by netting five straight on a layup and a three-point play, as he finished the frame with seven points to pass his career best.

Vermont would not trail for the rest of the stanza as it took a 30-29 lead into the half. Elbaum led UVM with seven, while Luke Apfeld and Brendan Bald each added six as the Cats shot 48.1 percent from the floor.

In the second half Quinnipiac scored the first six points out of the gate and held that lead until Elbaum found classmate Clancy Rugg on a fast break with a no-look pass that gave the Cats a 46-44 advantage with 10:43 remaining. Vermont started the second half by making eight of its first 11 attempts from the floor.

While the Cats shot well from the floor, the free throw line was not as friendly as they made only 3-of-12 to start the game from the stripe. With Vermont leading 50-48 after a pair of free throws from Apfeld with 5:43 to go in the contest, the Bobcats used a 6-1 run over the next 2:30 to take the lead for good.

A jumper from senior Matt Glass cut it to 54-53 with 2:51 remaining, but Quinnipiac's James Johnson hit a big 3-pointer on the other end to help the Bobcats keep their distance. Voelkel added a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left, but Johnson answered with two of his own on the other end to help Quinnipiac earn the win.

Voelkel earned his first double-double of the year and fifth of his career, while also adding a team-high three assists, but he went only 5-for-12 from the free throw line. Elbaum was 4-for-5 from the floor and added three rebounds and two assists, while Apfeld tallied 10 points (4-for-4) and six boards and Bald chipped in with 10 points as well.

Jackson went 8-for-15 from the floor and added seven boards to lead Quinnipiac, while Johnson finished with 13. Ousmane Drame pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds to help the Bobcats own the boards 42-33.

The Catamounts return to action on Saturday when they host Iona starting at 1 p.m. Prior to the game Vermont will retire former Catamount Trevor Gaines' No. 45. Gaines passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2010 at the age of 29. Gaines was playing pick-up basketball in Las Vegas, where he resided, when he collapsed and never regained consciousness. A 6-7 forward and native of Farmington Hills, Mich., he was a two-time captain and had an outstanding career with the Catamounts (1998-2002).

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.UVMathletics.com. Live video of the game is available for free via CatamounTV on www.UVMathletics.com.


NOTES: After starting the second half 8-for-11 from the floor, Vermont ended by making only two of its last 12 attempts … The Cats had four in double figures for only the second time this season, but they are now 0-2 when doing so … UVM was a perfect 5-0 all-time in the series before Sunday … Quinnipiac entered the game with a +11.9 rebounding margin on the year … Sunday was only the third home game of the season for Vermont … Prior to the game Vermont was recognized for winning the 2011 America East Regular Season Championship and advancing to the NIT, while at halftime the UVM student-athletes were also honored for winning the 2011 America East Academic Cup. … Elbaum was named the America East Player of the Game …