Shorthanded Vermont took down Northeastern with a gutsy defensive effort in a physical Saturday afternoon game at Patrick. After an early time out, the Cats exploded with a 15-0 run and maintained that lead for much of the first half. The offense was humming and Vermont put together their best all around half of the young season. Then in a microcosm of how the season has gone thus far, Shamir Bogues went down with an injury on the final play of the half. The Cats came out of the half a bit flat as Bogues tried to gut it out through the pain. It was clear that he was not 100% so the coaching staff turned to Sean Blake. Blake was up to the task and electrified the crowd with some tough buckets. Then he committed his fourth foul so Bogues again hobbled his way through the end of the game. Northeastern made a really great adjustment, going to a much larger, physical lineup to close out the game. The Huskies scrambling, frenetic press forced the Cats into several turnovers, cutting it to a one possession game. In a wild final possession Northeastern had three shots to tie the game but the Cats defense held and they emerged victorious. This was a huge win for the Cats. Northeastern had been playing very good basketball to start the season and with Vermont missing TJ Long, Nick Fiorillo, Shy Odom, and then Bogues playing on one leg, the Cats had to dig deep. I said after last game that this game would say a lot about this team and they put together a solid effort. This was a victory forged with mental fortitude. In particular the Cats did an excellent job on Harold Woods who came in averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds on 55% shooting, but was held to 8 points and 3 rebounds on 4-13 shooting. Vermont made hustle plays, matched Northeastern's physicality, and held the Huskies to 1-15 shooting from three. A very gutsy effort that saw guys step up when their number was called.
TJ Hurley led the Cats with a career high 23 points. He has been playing with so much more aggression and assertiveness on the offensive end. He worked hard for every shot against the very physical Huskies defense. As he takes on a larger role the turnovers have crept up as well but those are part of the growing pains in a new role. Everyone knows Ileri Ayo-Faleye is a great defender, but in the game this afternoon, he was otherworldly. Ayo-Faleye finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and SEVEN blocks. Absolutely incredible. He is such a joy to watch on the defensive end. Jace Roquemore continues to step up in place of the injured Cats and finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds. He has been shooting the ball with confidence and running the offense smoothly when needed. Sean Blake took over during the most crucial stretch of the game. He attacked the rim relentlessly and finished through contact. Blake finished with 9 points and only 1 turnover in his best all around effort of the season. Seth Joba got knocked around early but responded to the Huskies physicality and got huge rebounds in the second half. He finished with 3 points and 7 rebounds. Sam Alamutu filled several different roles and once again played a strong all around game with 3 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Bogues fought his way to 7 points and 4 rebounds. Hopefully he can get through this nagging injury.
Any win the Cats can claw out while dealing with so many injuries is a big one. Hopefully there is a silver lining in building depth with guys stepping up into larger roles. At some point the stars will align and a fully healthy Vermont team will have a chance to play together and build momentum.
