Vermont 66 Yale 65
The basketball gods giveth and taketh away.
Then they giveth again.
TJ
Must be something about that name in Catamount green and gold.
In the most insane, unbelievable, exciting, unlikely, incredible way possible, Vermont gets the win over Yale. Basketball is the best. What a moment at Patrick. This team has guts.
The Yale game is always a rock fight with physical play, exciting action, and great coaching adjustments. Vermont jumped out to an early lead before Yale came roaring back. The game was never further apart than 5 points after that in an incredibly hard fought and well played game by both teams. Vermont's defense was really dug in all night making things hard for Yale at the offensive end. Yale swallowed up the Cats at the rim time and time again. In the second half Yale got to the line at will and made their trips count. Vermont continued to make timely buckets as both teams responded to every challenge. Then the late game execution faltered once again, Shamir Bogues went down with an injury, and things looked grim in Patrick. With the Cats down 5 and people headed for the exits, Aaron Deloney dropped in an innocuous and meaningless layup with .6 seconds left. Then the basketball gods went crazy. TJ Hurley drew a foul on the ensuing inbounds play as August Mahoney pushed off trying to get open. Cats ball. Now .6 seconds is really only enough time for a tip in or immediate release but TJ Long got fouled, time stopped at .3 seconds, and he essentially had free play so he double clutched and let it fly. High arcing, off the backboard, aaaaaaaaaaaaand IN. And one. Pandemonium ensues. Call is confirmed and Long goes to the line for the winning free throw. Patrick goes silent. Shot goes up. Buckets. Game. Set. Match. Unbelievable.
Long came up with big shot after big shot in this one, leading the Cats with 23 points on 6-10 shooting from three. I love the edge that he plays with and he has now etched his name in Catamount lore. Shamir Bogues was great in this one as well, battling through foul trouble and finishing with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. He had a huge dunk and then went for an absolute poster on Yale's 7 footer that just missed, really showing off his athleticism and speed. Unfortunately the only cold water on this game is he looked like he rolled his ankle pretty bad at the end of the game and had to be helped off the court. Sending positive vibes for a speedy recovery. Aaron Deloney came off the bench for the first time this season and finished with 10 points. You know AD made that decision on his own becasue he would do anything to help his team and teammates. A tremendous leader. It will be interesting to see if going back to his bread and butter role will jump start his season. And lets not forget he delivered the pass to Long for the shot. TJ Hurley got his first career start in his place and was held scoreless but drew the foul that was the catalyst for the insanity. Nick Fiorillo shook off a terrible first half and hit some big buckets in the second half, finishing with 8 points. Sam Alamutu hit two big free throws and continued his strong defensive play. Ileri Ayo-Faleye was really tough and physical underneath dealing with Yale's formidable frontcourt. Matt Veretto struggled with Yale's size and finished 1-9 from the field.
What a huge win and incredible moment for the entirety of the program and the fans. Getting to be a part of moments like that is why basketball is such an incredible sport. This is one to celebrate, savor, and enjoy.
