Kobe Johnson supplied 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while the Trojans' usual leading scorer, Boogie Ellis, was held to six points.
Vermont (23-11) was led by Robin Duncan, Dylan Penn and Matt Veretto who each scored 11 points.
Jamarius Burton added 11 points and Greg Elliott had 10, as the Panthers advanced to face No.
Jordan Hawkins chipped in 13 points, Donovan Clingan posted 12 and Andre Jackson Jr. supplied 10.
Adrian Baldwin Jr. paced the Rams (27-8) with 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting.