Vermont dominated NJIT to open the America East playoffs. The Cats came out a little slow but you could see that this team was motivated to prove that the last NJIT game was a fluke. Come tournament time you are looking at teams mental focus with that aspect of the game becoming even more important in winner take all games. Vermont hit another gear in this game and looked every bit like a team sharpening their mental focus and taking their game to the next level. The Cats held NJIT to 38% shooting and outrebounded the Highlanders by a wide margin. There was a clear emphasis on the defensive side of the ball as Vermont looks to clean up some late season defensive lapses. The offense continued its high level efficiency with another strong shooting night. The depth was on display once again with the bench crew providing the spark to the first half surge. Similar to years past, one of the Cats consistent advantages is their ability to maintain a high level of play when they go to the bench.
Dylan Penn came to Vermont for a shot at the NCAA tournament and today he played like it. Penn was magnificent in the second half, showcasing the entire arsenal en route to a team leading 23 points. So many creative finishes around the rim and a crowd electrifying dunk to punctuate his night. Penn finished 10-14 from the field and looked every bit a player who is ready to leave it all out on the floor. Aaron Deloney completely changed the complexion of the game in the first half like only the back to back 6th man of the year can. Right off the bench and scorching the nets. Deloney finished with 16 points on 4-6 shooting from three. As I have mentioned before, Deloney loves shooting in Patrick where he has shot an absurd 55% (!) from three this season. Matt Veretto chipped in 12 points and Kam Gibson added 9. TJ Hurley and Ileri Ayo-Faleye joined Deloney as impactful players off the bench. Hurley hit two threes in the first half including a show stopping step back. Ayo-Faleye had one of his best games as a Catamount playing 20 minutes off the bench. He was a disruptive monster on defense and had several nice buckets on the offensive end. Robin Duncan battled a little foul trouble in the first half but finished with 10 rebounds (5 offensive), 8 points, 3 blocks, and tough defense on Kevin Osawe. Finn Sullivan didn't make a shot but pulled down 7 rebounds and played tough defense on Raheem Sullivan.
A great performance to begin the conference tournament and now the Cats welcome Binghamton back to town Tuesday night. There is nothing better than basketball in March.