Vermont 73 Charleston 64
WHAT A GAME!!!
Vermont dug deep and battled all the way back to grab a huge win in the opening game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. That was an unbelievably exciting game of college basketball and a HUGE win for the Cats. Vermont hit a cold spell offensively in the first half and got themselves in a deep 15 point hole. Following a time out the Cats continued to be a little disjointed but cut the deficit to 9 at the half. The defense came out roaring in the second half and Vermont started to physically impose themselves. Vermont was challenging every shot, diving on every loose ball, and hitting the boards hard. Slowly but surely their own shots began to fall and then everything clicked over the last 5 minutes. It is hard not to overstate how much grit and determination this group showed today. Vermont was not at their best for much of the game and never put their heads down, never let up on the defensive end, and willed themselves to victory. To see that type of mentality this early in the season with a new group of guys is very encouraging.
Shamir Bogues is an absolute all court wrecker. He just never stops. So many times in the game he made momentum changing plays. Bogues finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds (3 offensive), 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Incredible. The stat of the day is that Vermont outscored Charleston 20-0 on fast break points. That is due in no small part to the relentless energy Bogues brings on the court. There was talk this offseason about this group being able to force more turnovers and potentially quicken the pace a bit and that came to fruition in this game. Bogues is a key piece in that new stylistic wrinkle. Matt Veretto led the Cats with 18 points and was huge in the second half. He was getting pushed around in the first half but responded in a big way and was much more physical in the second half. TJ Long continued his hot start in a Catamount uniform with 15 points and tied for the team lead with 7 rebounds. He also chipped in a couple of steals and was a big part of the physical play in the second half. Long started hot and then forced things a bit in the middle but came back strong down the stretch. The player that really turned the tides in the second half was Ileri Ayo-Faleye. His energy, blocked shots, physicality, and hustle were huge. He finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks and had the huge offensive rebound put back and one that gave Vermont the lead. He also hit a big three a few plays earlier, showcasing his versatility. His growth from last season is great to see. I was excited to see how Sam Alamutu's minutes would translate against a bigger team and he played a great "won't show up in the box score" game. Alamutu played 19 minutes and contributed to the Cats imposing their physicality on the game. Brenton Mills played some great minutes, finally getting a three to fall and grabbing a couple offensive rebounds. TJ Hurley finished with 7 points and hit a big three down the stretch. Aaron Deloney gutted out another game as the leader of these Cats. He hit a couple huge threes late and finished with 8 points. AD is still finding his way in his new role but is providing tremendous leadership for this group.
These tournaments always provide such a great atmosphere and are such a great way to test a teams mettle early in the season. No time to rest on the laurels as the Cats turn around and play Saint Louis tomorrow at noon. Once again I will likely have to watch the game on replay after work but can't wait!
