Though the Slam (18-7) started slow and never led in the game, they used a 14-0 run to start the second half to trim their double-digit halftime deficit to six, at 63-57, 2:30 into the half. The Slam stayed close for the rest of the third quarter, and trailed by nine, at 83-74, going into the final period.

The pesky Slam refused to go away in the fourth quarter, cutting the Frost Heaves’ lead to just four, 89-85, with nine minutes to go in the game. But Vermont (22-4)seemed to have an answer every time Bellingham threatened, either hitting a big shot or coming up with a defensive stop any time the Slam appeared to be gaining momentum.

Unfortunately for the Slam, their offense went cold in the final two minutes, as their defense was able to get some key stops but the offense was unable to come through at the other end. The Slam scored just once in the final two minutes, hitting a three-point shot with the 3-D rule in effect (making the basket worth four points) with just under a minute to play. Vermont hit enough free throws down the stretch to keep the Slam from getting close enough to set up a game-tying shot.

Brandon Hartley and Scott Freymond were potent from three-point range to lead the Slam in scoring with 25 and 21 points, respectively. Hartley went 5-of-9 and Freymond connected on 4-of-6 from behind the arc. Freymond was especially dangerous in the second half, when he scored 16 of his 21 points.