Cal State Fullerton 94 Vermont 85 2OT
Vermont fell short in a back and forth affair with Cal State Fullerton. Both teams made big plays and at the same time neither could put the other away. It was a choppy game for both teams with lots of fouls and free throws. The live stats were not working so I won't be able to give exact numbers, but the Cats committed far to many fouls and many of them were a product of being a step behind and out of position on defense. What kept Vermont in the game was that for a while Fullerton was missing from the line at a high clip. The Cats came out of halftime on a big run a looked as though they were going to pull away. They couldn't put the Titans away and ended up in a tight game. Both teams struggled to capitalize and execute when given an opportunity to extend the lead until finally Fullerton pulled away in the second overtime. This one stings a little because there were so many opportunities for Vermont to win this game.
Dylan Penn showed why he was such a prized transfer and how he is going to be a big part of Vermont's team this season. Penn had a big game, slicing to the rim and getting to the free throw line. He even knocked down a few threes and tied the game at the end of regulation with a beautiful drive to the rim. He is certainly shaking off the rust now and will continue to integrate himself into the offense. Nick Fiorillo played through foul trouble but was tough underneath. He battled all night but unfortunately missed the game winning free throw at the end of the first overtime. He and Aaron Deloney have incredible chemistry in the two man game and it would be good for the Vermont offense to see more of it. Speaking of Deloney, he struggled shooting the ball but gutted and gritted his way and came up with big shots and made plays for his teammates. Robin Duncan was again tough and physical on the boards. Unfortunately much of this play was overshadowed by the excessive fouling. Finn Sullivan fouled out at the end of regulation and the Cats could have really used his defense in the overtime periods. I believe Duncan, Gibson, and Fiorillo also fouled out as well. The defense continues to be a work in progress and Penn, by virtue of his crucial role in the offense, has a lot of catching up to do in order to tighten up the rotations.
Fullerton was one of the more winnable games on this road trip and the Cats are certainly getting a season's worth of experience in a short time span. No rest for the road weary as they are right back at it against USC on Tuesday night.
