FINAL SCORE: Vermont 76, UAlbany 63
ALBANY, N.Y. – Ben Shungu's opening-minute basket gave Vermont (20-4, 12-0 AE) a lead that it would never give back as the Catamounts defeated UAlbany (10-15, 6-7 AE) 76-63 on Saturday night at SEFCU Arena. UVM reaches 20-4 for the first time in program history and extends its nation-leading winning streak to 14 games.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score: Web | PDF
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"It was a gritty win without Ryan Davis tonight on the road," Cioffi Men's Basketball Head Coach John Becker said. "We got huge contributions from Evan Guillory and Kam Gibson today. They have stayed ready and helped us win. I thought Robin Duncan was the toughest guy on the court and was great. I really enjoyed that one today. Thanks to all of our loyal fans who made the trip. We could hear you."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Catamounts quickly jumped out to the lead with Shungu's opening basket. Vermont remained in front and grabbed a 14-5 lead with 13:52 left in the first half. UVM hit five of its first eight shots and 2-of-3 attempts from beyond the arc. UAlbany chipped away at Vermont's lead, trailing 19-15 by the midway point of the first frame.
• Duncan fueled a 14-2 run by the Catamounts with six points over a 6:17 span as Vermont took a 33-17 lead with 3:38 left in the half. The Great Danes doubled up the Catamounts down the stretch, but UVM took a 38-28 lead into the break.
• A 9-2 run for Vermont to start the second half stretched the lead to 17 points by the first media timeout. The Catamounts maintained their double-digit lead, which expanded to 20 points when Isaiah Powell sank two free throws to go up 60-40 with 10:21 remaining.
• UAlbany's comeback bid fell short, as the Great Danes were only able to cut the deficit to as close as 12 points down the stretch.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Catamounts shot 49.0% (24-49) from the field and 30.0% (6-of-20) from deep. Tonight snaps an 11-game streak of shooting 50% or more from the field.
• Shungu posted a team-high 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the floor. The graduate student sank both attempts from beyond the arc and cashed in four free throws. Shungu also pulled in four rebounds and dished out two assists.
• Finn Sullivan tallied 15 points for the Catamounts, hitting double figures for the seventh time this season. The senior was 4-for-9 from the field and sank two triples.
• Duncan registered a season-high 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting. The UVM guard also pulled in a team-high seven rebounds and tallied one assist.
• With today's win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to COTS, the Committee on Temporary Shelter, as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828.

UP NEXT
Vermont enjoys a day off before visiting Hartford (4-6, 6-16 AE) on Monday night at Chase Arena. The opening tip is slated for 7 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN 3. Fans can listen for free on the Vermont Sports Network, from Learfield IMG College on The Game, which will air on 97.1 FM in Burlington, 105.9 FM in Plattsburgh, and 960 AM around the rest of the region. The radio broadcast is also available online via the Varsity Network App with Brian McLaughlin on the call.
 
Key Motors of South Burlington is the presenting sponsor of Vermont men's basketball