JOHNSON, VT – The Badgers came out swinging in the final game of the 2023-2024 season. Vermont State Johnson struck first with a three pointer from Faith Meade, to be matched moments later by a Lyndon Hornets shot from outside the arc. The Hornets continued through the opening quarter with a slight lead, never opening a gap greater than six. Lyndon closed the quarter with an 18-13 lead, which was barely closed to 18-16 from a nearly-made half court attempt by Sasha Khomutetsky.
The following quarter's opening buzzer signaled Matt House's time to shine, as he accounted for nine of Johnson's 11 down that stretch. House secured a career-high in game points in just the opening half, at 15, with still two minutes left before halftime. An 11-11 quarter kept the Badgers within five by the half, hot on the Hornets' trails. House was not finished, scoring the first eleven points for the Badgers in the third quarter, to bring Johnson within three at 41-38, with 2:36 left in the third quarter. House was then joined by teammate, Gabby Wardwell, with a pair of back-to-back layups, bringing the Badgers their first lead of the night since the opening minutes at 42-41. The Hornets fought back to reclaim the lead by the fourth, at 45-42 with a final quarter to play, but Johnson took the third 18-16.
A hard fought fourth quarter saw Wardwell pull her 1000th career rebound, 17 in the game, and House conclude a career effort with 30 points. Brought within two with 15.1 second left on the clock, the Hornets ultimately pulled away 62-58.
Notes: House scored a career-high 30. Wardwell pulled her 1000th career rebound.