FINAL SCORE: Vermont 63, Hartford 53
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Emma Utterback had a game-high 19 points leading Vermont as they won their third consecutive America East contest Saturday afternoon 63-53 over the Hartford Hawks from Chase Arena. The Catamounts overcame an 11-point third quarter deficit for the second straight game Saturday. With the win UVM improved to 3-2 in conference this season while the Hawks fell to 0-5.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score (.pdf)
Photo Gallery
Postgame - Utterback
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"We found a way to fight through adversity on the road," said Head Coach Alisa Kresge. "Multiple defensive stops in the second half helped spur our offensive run. We were able to keep our composure and pull out the win against a tough Hartford team."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Catamounts were able to establish an early 11-4 advantage with four points in the first quarter from Emma Utterback and Hanna Crymble. Hartford battled back to pull within one late in the frame but Jane McCauley answered with a three-pointer that gave UVM a 14-10 edge after ten minutes.
• Utterback made a layup with 7:53 left in the half to reestablish an eight-point cushion for the Catamounts. The Hawks were able to use an 8-0 run over 3:19 of game time and the teams entered the break tied at 27.
• The Hawks carried their momentum into the third quarter and started the half on a 10-2 run. Jada Lucas hit a three-pointer with 3:05 left in the quarter to establish a 42-31 edge. Over a span of 2:25 the Catamounts came roaring back to close the quarter on a 12-4 run. Josie Larkins scored seven points in the third quarter including five in the late UVM run.
• In the fourth quarter the Catamounts defense took over the game, Hartford missed its first 10 shots of the quarter including a Hanna Crymble block. With one end locked down UVM ran away with the game. The Catamounts scored the first 13 points of the quarter including six from Sarah Wells to take a commanding 56-46 lead. Hartford was able to cut the lead to eight but they never got closer than that as UVM wrapped up its first conference road win of the season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Vermont held Hartford to just three field goals in the fourth quarter, the Hawks were 3-22 (16.7%) from the field.
• The Catamounts blocked seven shots this afternoon, Hanna Crymble had three of those blocks. The Catamounts lead America East in blocked shots.
• With the conclusion of today's league games Vermont is 3-2 in league play and sits alone in third place. Maine (UVM's next opponent) and New Hampshire are tied for fourth at 3-3.
• After five games in league play freshman guard Emma Utterback is second in the conference averaging 5.4 assists per game. She is also the America East leader averaging 38.8 minutes per game.
• After scoring 14 points this afternoon Crymble needs 20 points to tie Aaron Yantzi '04 for seventh place all-time at UVM in scoring with 1,592 points. Crymble is one of just eight Catamounts all-time to score 1,500 points.
• With the victory, the Cats Win, Community Wins campaign and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to a Vermont charity, bringing the 2020 total to 12 wins totaling $1,200. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support, protecting Vermonters since 1828.  

WHO'S NEXT
Vermont returns home on Wednesday (January 22) as they host the defending America East Champion Maine Black Bears at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3. Fans can also listen to the contest on WVMT AM 620/96.3 FM with Maura Sheridan on the call.
 
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