Vermont Women’s Basketball: Lessons from Binghamton & Looking Ahead to Maine
The Vermont Catamounts suffered their first America East Conference loss of the season on Thursday, falling to Binghamton 71-67. While a tough result on the road, the game offered valuable insights into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare to face Maine next week. This isn’t just about one game; it’s about the evolving landscape of competitive women’s basketball and how teams are adapting.
The Bench Battle: A Growing Trend in College Hoops
Binghamton’s 26 points off the bench proved decisive. This highlights a growing trend in women’s college basketball: the importance of a deep, reliable roster. No longer can teams rely solely on a starting five. The ability to bring in fresh legs and different skillsets throughout the game is crucial, especially in a physically demanding conference like the America East. Consider UConn, consistently a powerhouse, who routinely utilizes a 10-player rotation. A strong bench allows for sustained pressure and minimizes foul trouble.
Vermont’s three bench points underscore the need to develop consistent scoring options beyond the starting lineup. This isn’t necessarily about recruiting more players, but maximizing the potential of those already on the roster through targeted practice and strategic game planning.
Three-Point Shooting: The Great Equalizer
Binghamton’s efficient three-point shooting (46.2%) contrasted sharply with Vermont’s struggles from beyond the arc (28.0%). This difference in efficiency is a microcosm of the broader trend in women’s basketball. The game is increasingly reliant on the three-pointer. Teams that can consistently knock down shots from distance can overcome size disadvantages and dictate the pace of play.
Data from HerHoopsStats shows a steady increase in three-point attempts and makes across all NCAA divisions over the past decade. Vermont needs to improve its three-point percentage to remain competitive. This could involve dedicated shooting drills, identifying players with untapped potential, and adjusting offensive sets to create more open looks.
Malia Lenz’s Emergence: The Rise of Versatile Players
Malia Lenz’s career-high 21 points and nine rebounds are a positive sign for the Catamounts. Her performance exemplifies another key trend: the increasing value of versatile players. Lenz isn’t just a scorer; she contributes in multiple facets of the game – rebounding, assists, and even defense.
Coaches are increasingly seeking players who can fill multiple roles, creating matchup problems for opponents. Nikola Priede’s double-double further reinforces this point. These all-around players are becoming the cornerstones of successful teams.
Looking Ahead: Maine and the Importance of Conference Play
Vermont’s upcoming game against Maine on January 15th presents an opportunity to rebound from the Binghamton loss. Maine, like Binghamton, will likely present a tough challenge. Conference play is a different beast than non-conference games. Opponents are intimately familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, leading to more closely contested matchups.
Vermont needs to focus on controlling the tempo, limiting turnovers, and maximizing its defensive intensity. They also need to find ways to generate more consistent scoring from the bench. The game will be televised on ESPN+, offering a wider audience to witness the Catamounts’ response.
Did You Know?
The America East Conference has seen a significant increase in viewership on ESPN+ over the past two seasons, demonstrating the growing popularity of women’s college basketball.
Pro Tip:
Analyzing opponent shooting percentages – particularly three-point percentage – is crucial for defensive game planning. Identifying shooters and adjusting defensive rotations accordingly can significantly impact the outcome of a game.
FAQ
- What is Vermont’s record currently? Vermont is currently 13-5 overall and 2-1 in America East Conference play.
- Where can I watch the game against Maine? The game will be televised on ESPN+.
- Who led Binghamton in scoring? Bella Pucci led Binghamton with 20 points.
- What was Malia Lenz’s scoring output? Malia Lenz scored a career-high 21 points.
Want to stay up-to-date on Vermont Women’s Basketball? Visit the official UVM Athletics website for the latest news, scores, and schedules.
