Lamar vs. Vermont: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

The Lamar Cardinals and the Vermont Catamounts will bring a contrast of styles to the floor as they clash in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. 

They will take the court in Dayton, Ohio as part of the "First Four" portion of the tournament. 

Vermont is 23-11 and punched their ticket to the Big Dance by winning the American East Tournament with a 51-43 victory over Stony Brook. 

Lamar is also 23-11. They got a ticket to March Madness by winning the Southland Tournament with a dominant 70-49 win over McNeese State

Where: Dayton, Ohio at the University of Dayton Arena

When: Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: TruTV

Listen: Here is a list of the flagship radio affiliates for Lamar. Here is a link to the live streaming audio broadcast for Vermont. 

Betting Line: Lamar -3.5 according to Wager Minds

Key Injuries

*All injury information via USA Today.

Neither team has any reported injuries. 

What's at Stake? 

Their NCAA Tournament lives, a shot at their one shining moment, and everlasting glory. 

What They're Saying

Chron.com's Ronnie Turner talks about Lamar's coach Pat Knight lighting a fire under his team. 

"

Lamar guard Mike James was one of six seniors treated to a tongue-lashing during coach Pat Knight's now infamous rant following a loss to Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 22.

The seniors, however, responded in strong fashion, winning five straight games, including two at the Southland Conference tournament, to put the Cardinals in Saturday's championship game, their first since 2000.

"

Jeff Borzello, of CBS Sports, gives us some insight on Vermont, and lets us know that the 2012 NCAA Tournament could be just the beginning for this group of players. 

"

The Catamounts don't have a T.J. Sorrentine or Taylor Coppenrath on this team, and they are likely headed to Dayton for the First Four. Are they capable of an upset like the 2005 did against Syracuse? Probably not, but they're not easy to play. Vermont plays tremendous halfcourt defense, and it has multiple options on the offensive end. Moreover, there are only two seniors on the team, so the future looks bright for Vermont.

"

Most Important Player to Watch: Lamar guard Mike James

This 6'1" senior guard knows how to get the ball in the bucket. He loves to penetrate the lane, and used that to average 17.2 points per game. 

He shot 45.7 percent from the floor, but is not a great outside shooter. He hit just 31.9 percent of his three point attempts. 

Key Matchup: Battle of the Backcourts

Both of these teams are dominated by their guards. The two highest scorers on Vermont, Four McGlynn and Matt Glass, are both guards. 

The three highest scorers for Lamar, James, Anthony Miles and Devon Lamb, are all guards. 

Whichever team can establish backcourt dominance will win this game. 

Prediction: Lamar 71, Vermont 65

Lamar is playing their best basketball of the season. They have an advantage of experience in all the right spots, and they will pull this one out. 

For your printable NCAA bracket, click here.