Vermont 26 34 — 60
Canisius 22 42 — 64

By Nick Veronica

What it means: After an exhibition loss to Daemen, Canisius was presented with a winnable game and took advantage. A variety of players made contributions for the Griffs, which is what they’ll need going forward. Both Canisius and Vermont returned just one starter from 20-win teams last year, and both were coming off an exhibition loss.

Canisius goes to 1-0, 1-0 and home and 1-0 when trailing at halftime. Vermont is 0-1.

How it happened: Phil Valenti had a career-high 24 points and added 6 rebounds to lead Canisius, which trailed at halftime after scoring just one point the final 4:09 of the frame. The Griffs led by as many as 11 at 59-48 with 3:35 to go. The Catamounts hit a three-pointer to cut it to 63-60 left, but Zach Lewis made a free throw to ice it. Canisius won the rebounding battle, 34-32.

It was over when: Jan Grzelinski found his groove late in the second half:

Crumpton returns: Redshirt freshman Jermaine Crumpton saw his first action of the season Saturday after being suspended for the exhibitions. He was the fourth forward Jim Baron used, coming in after Kevin Bleeker but before Cassidy Ryan, who didn’t play. Crumpton finished with one rebound and three points, courtesy of a three-pointer. He also had a turnover and a block in 11 minutes.

22:07: Time it took Zach Lewis to hit a shot. He started 0 for 6 and finished with 7 points.

17: Number of turnovers Vermont committed/Canisius forced.

Remember him? 

Starters: Canisius – Zach Lewis, Jan Grzelinski, Phil Valenti, Jamal Reynolds and Josiah Heath. Vermont – Hector Harold, Ernie Duncan, Dre Wills, Ethan O’Day and Kurt Steidl.

Next game: Canisius goes to Lehigh for a 7 p.m. contest this Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Check back for more coverage following the press conferences.