Dons Notes: Previewing Vermont Catamounts
Nov 24, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; Vermont Catamounts forward Brian Voelkel (1) prepares to throw the ball inbounds while taunted by fans in the Duke student section during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Short Thanksgiving Preview today:
Today, the Dons will take on the Vermont Catamounts during Day 2 of the Golden Gate Classic. Earlier this week, the Dons defeated the Sonoma Seawolves, a D-2 squad, and the Catamounts defeated the Illinois State Redbirds during a second half rally. Vermont is no laughing matter for the Dons as the Catamounts took Duke to the final seconds of a matchup played over last weekend.
In the Opening Game of the Golden Gate Classic, the Dons easily took down the Sonoma State Seawolves on Wednesday winning 96-73. Senior Cole Dickerson scored 26 points with an additional 10 rebounds. Guards Matt Glover and Tim Derksen scored 16 points each as Tao Xu scored his first two points of the season. This game will be the Dons first big home tilt without Cody Doolin, a senior who recently left the team after an altercation during practice. There will be some adversity in the Dons locker room for the remainder of the season.
In the second game of the Golden Gate Classic, Vermont defeated Illinois State by a score of 87-76. Sandro Carissimo led the Catamounts with 24 points, and Clancy Rugg matched a career-high 21 points. UVM is still in the middle of a seven game road trip highlighted by their trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Dons and Catamounts will meet for the second time in series history. USF holds the advantage with a 1-0 record over Vermont. The previous matchup was in December of 1991. Expect to see a tight game tonight as the surging Catamounts may have a slight advantage over a Dons squad dealing with drama in the locker room. Sonoma State takes on Illinois State in the later game following the Vermont/Dons match-up.
One For The Road
Video highlights from the Vermont at Duke game as the Catamounts tried to end the Blue Devils 105 non-conference game winning streak.