The Vermont Catamounts and Saint Louis Billikens face off on Friday in a college basketball showdown at HTC Center. 

Good Early Season Test for Vermont

Vermont comes into this game with a 3-0 record and this is going to be a great test for the Catamounts. On Thursday, Vermont faced off against the College of Charleston and they were able to secure the 73-64 victory. Matt Vertto had a strong game putting up 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Vermont on the season is averaging 77.3 points while their defense is giving up 53.3 points per game. The defense is ranked 11th best and they are going to need the defense to step up again here. 

Saint Louis Pulls Away from Wyoming

Saint Louis comes into this game with a 4-0 record and they were able to pull away from Wyoming on Thursday. At halftime, Saint Louis was down 35-34, but in the second half, they pulled away and ended up winning 79-69. Sincere Parker had a strong game putting up 22 points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Saint Louis on the season is averaging 84 points while their defense is giving up 67.3 points per game. The offense is ranked 79th and they need to find a way to get the offense going here. 

Shane’s Free Pick

Saint Louis pulled away on Thursday, but I don’t think it’s going to happen again here. Vermont is giving up only 53.3 points per game and they are going to really lockdown here. Saint Louis is going to really struggle to get the offense going here and that is going to be the difference as Vermont will find success. Look for another strong game from Matt Vertto and Vermont is going to cover the spread.