Vermont holds off Western Carolina, 79-74

Vermont holds off Western Carolina, 79-74

March 16, 2016

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Kurt Steidl posted 20 points and 11 rebounds as Vermont withstood a strong second half comeback to defeat Western Carolina, 79-74.

In a battle of Catamounts – the only two Division I programs with that nickname – Vermont took a 37-24 halftime lead, primarily on 14-of-30 (.467) shooting in the first half while WCU was 8-of-33 (.242). However, Western Carolina came out of the locker room with a new spirit and outscored Vermont, 15-2, to knot the game at 39. Vermont came back and never trailed.

Joining Steidl in double figures for Vermont (22-13) was Trae Bell-Haynes with 16 points. Darren Payen added eight points and five blocked shots.

Western Carolina (16-18) was led by Torrion Bummitt and his 20 points. Mike Brown recorded 15 points and eight rebounds and Justin Browning had 11 points and seven rebounds.

Vermont will travel to the winner of Wednesday’s Seattle-Idaho game on Monday.

Share this Post