Klimes, Solid Defense Lift Cats Over UMBC

By Bruce Bosley, UVM Athletic Communications Office

Sunday, January 08, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. -- Martin Klimes (Prague, Czech Republic) had 19 points and 10 rebounds as Vermont held off UMBC, 68-59, in America East men's basketball Sunday afternoon at Patrick Gym.

With the win, the Catamounts snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 6-7 overall and 2-1 in the America East. The loss was the first for the Retrievers (6-8, 2-1) in conference play.

“I am proud of our effort in coming back after two losses,” said Vermont coach Mike Lonergan. “For us to win, we need to play good defense and the last two games we didn't have any energy and enthusiasm at that end. It also is real important for us to play well at home. We have tremendous fans and their great support means so much to us.”

UVM used a stingy defensive effort on the afternoon to overcome committing a season-high 23 turnovers. Vermont limited the Retrievers to shoot just 37 percent from the floor and 29 percent from 3-point range, while forcing 17 turnovers. UVM outrebounded UMBC, 42-36.

After a first half that had eight ties and 10 lead changes, Vermont, behind 11 points from Klimes, took a 35-33 lead at the break.

Despite several UMBC comeback bids, UVM never trailed in the second stanza. The Catamounts used an 11-2 run over four minutes to turn a one-point edge into a 52-41 lead with just under 12 minutes to go. With a 12-3 spurt of its own, UMBC took advantage of Vermont going five-plus minutes with only one field goal to cut it to 57-56 with 4:13 left. UVM tightened its defense and did not allow a basket the rest of the way outscoring UMBC, 11-3 the rest of the way. The Cats hit six of seven from the line in this stretch to close out the contest.

Klimes went 8 for 11 from the floor to record his second double-double in as many games, and had a career-high four blocked shots. Mike Trimboli (Norwalk, Conn.) added 16 points and a game-high six assists, while making 4 of 6 3-pointers. In addition to his excellent defense, Kyle Cieplicki (Shelburne, Vt.) had 10 points, four rebounds and four assists. The Catamounts received a big boost off the bench by sophomore guard Chad Powlovich (Jericho, Vt.) who posted career-highs of six points and five rebounds in 10 minutes.

Brian Hodges tallied 13 points to lead a balanced UMBC attack as Jerell Dinkins (also four assists and nine rebounds), John Zito and Jay Greene (three three-pointers) each scored 11. Mike Housman chipped in with seven points and hauled down a team-high 10 rebounds.

Vermont hits the road for a pair of contests starting with a game at Hartford Thursday at 7:00pm (Radio: WXZO 96.7 FM, WEAV 960 AM and WCVR 102.1 FM; Internet: www.sportsjuice.com). After a game at Maine on Sunday, UVM returns home to host Albany on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7:00pm. General admission tickets are available for all Vermont regular season home games at the UVM Athletic Ticket Office at 1-866-4-CAT-TIX or 802-656-4410, and they are also available on line at www.uvmathletics.com.