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America East Tournament: Can anyone stop Vermont?

By Doug Winkey

Dec 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vermont Catamounts guard Dre Willis (24) shoots the ball as Butler Bulldogs guard Sean McDermott (22) defends at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler defeats Vermont 81-69. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vermont Catamounts guard Dre Willis (24) shoots the ball as Butler Bulldogs guard Sean McDermott (22) defends at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler defeats Vermont 81-69. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The America East Tournament begins Wednesday and Vermont enters as the undefeated first seed.

The America East Tournament typically produces a solid NCAA Tournament team. Vermont, Albany, and Stony Brook have all played opponents tough in various Big Dance appearances.

Related Story: Catamounts finish conference play undefeated

This season sees the Vermont Catamounts roll into the postseason at 16-0 in league play. They are a careful, balanced squad in the top 75 in KenPom’s overall ratings. They also lead their league by a decent margin on both offense and defense.

So, can anyone stop them?

The Maine Black Bears are first up on Wednesday, but they just don’t have much in their favor in that game. In the semifinals, I like Vermont to get a strong challenge from the New Hampshire Wildcats, who I have beating the UMBC Retrievers. Where Vermont has efficiency, New Hampshire has volume with Tanner Leissner, Jaleen Smith, and Daniel Dion. Those three all average more points than any Catamount and will simply try to outshoot their opponent. The Wildcats also have two of the conference’s best rebounders. New Hampshire might be the America East’s best shot at knocking out the top seed.

If Vermont does beat their neighbor, they will get either last season’s representative Stony Brook or perennial contender Albany. The Seawolves won both regular season games, but I like Albany to win and head to the championship. The Great Danes are the second best statistical team, even though they enter the tournament as the third seed.

Albany has an excellent perimeter duo, David Nichols and Joe Cremo, running the show. The two combine for just over 33 points, eight rebounds and nearly seven assists. They’ll be most responsible for neutralizing Vermont’s Trae Bell-Haynes and Ernie Duncan. Albany is always tough in the America East, but Vermont has superior production inside.

Next: Northern Kentucky greatly improved

Vermont is definitely the hot team to beat this year. They have record and statistics going in their favor. However, I think the New Hampshire Wildcats have a great shot to upset the Catamounts. They lost both earlier matchups, but are hot at the right time and have some dangerous pieces on the floor to counter the favored team. I’m going to pick New Hampshire to win the America East and reach their first NCAA Tournament in program history.

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