Knights Outlast VSC Rival Lyndon State
Vermont Tech extended its win streak to six games as the Green Knights defeated Lyndon State 91-84 before a partisan crowd at VTC’s SHAPE center. Kevin Carr and Nick “Buckets” Simpson continue to score at a torrid pace. Carr led the way with 31 points and Simpson added 27 points. Point guard Alex Tyrrell also chipped in with 15 points.
Vermont Tech led by eight points at halftime, but Lyndon came out firing in the second half behind three point sharpshooter Ben Sackett and penetrating guard Jose Fortunato. Lyndon tied the game in the final three minutes but Kevin Carr, Alex Tyrrell and Nick Simpson responded with key baskets to regain the lead. Seniors Trent Roleau and Nick Simpson and sophomore Alex Tyrrell hit key free throws in the closing minutes to secure the win.
“This was a big win for us,” said Coach John Dyer after the game. “Lyndon has lost to some really good basketball teams so far this season and they came here hungry for a win. It seems that Lyndon always plays well on our court. I thought one of the real keys to the game was the performance of our 6’4” freshman NiikAkwei General-Vanderpui. NiikAkwei had some key rebounds, scored some tough baskets and really stepped up his defensive intensity. When Trent Roleau was forced to the bench with foul trouble, NiikAkwei came in and did a fantastic job. I doubt we would have won this game without him.”
The Knights are now 6-0 on the season and 4-0 in the tough Yankee Small College Conference. They will take on USCAA third ranked Southern Maine on Saturday at 3 PM and Central Maine on Sunday, also at 3 PM. Vermont Tech was ranked second in last week’s USCAA national coaches’ poll.
