Colgate answered every Catamount run and executed down the stretch, snapping their losing streak with a win against Vermont. In the first half Vermont struggled to get going on offense, falling behind early. Then with a surge at the end of the half the Cats went into halftime down two. The Cats responded to an early second half Colgate run with an explosive 12-0 run of their own to take the lead. The game went back and forth from there with the Raiders executing down the stretch. The turnovers and choppy execution reared their ugly heads once again for Vermont. There has been such a Jekyll and Hyde nature to the Cats this season with stretches of well executed offense and then stretches of balls bouncing off feet and stalled movement. Another 15 turnovers this afternoon and several crucial ones down the stretch. Before the season the perimeter shooting was the big concern, and while they are not lighting it up, it has been passable. The real culprit of the offensive woes is finishing around the rim. Before this afternoon's game the Cats were shooting an abysmal 46% (304 out of 364 teams) from two point range. Again this afternoon they were 46% (12-26) from inside the arc. So many of their games have come down to one or two plays and the difficulties at the rim combined with the turnovers have caused them to be on the wrong side of the close ones. The close game execution is an area where they really miss TJ Long. So many times last season he was the one rescuing them and making the big shots when Vermont needed them.
Nick Fiorillo returned and picked up where he left off, setting another career high with 23 points on 5-7 shooting from three. He also pulled down 6 rebounds in a strong effort. TJ Hurley finished with 19 points and has become the Cats most reliable scorer. His ability to take defenders to the rim and create space has been a great addition to his arsenal. Shamir Bogues was the other Catamount in double figures with 10 points and he added 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Unfortunately his struggles to finish at the rim are a large contributor to Vermont's two point shooting struggles. Bogues finished 2-12 from the field and is still missing the dynamic speed that made him effective last season. Jace Roquemore's effectiveness in his first few starts has come to a screeching halt as he is shooting 1-16 over his last three games including going 0-13 from three. Ileri Ayo-Faleye finished with 6 points and 6 rebounds before fouling out.
The Cats will be looking to grab onto any positive momentum they can over the next two weeks as they try to close the book on the non-conference portion of their schedule and look to start over during conference play.
Until then, how about Vermont soccer playing for a national title? Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a Cats team with that opportunity. What an incredible run and I can't wait for the game tomorrow night!
