Vermont closed out the year with a dominant performance against overmatched Elms College. Normally there would be little to take away from a game that featured this much of a talent gap. However, this season has seen Vermont struggle mightily even in games against non division one opponents. On top of that, with the challenges that the Cats have faced so far, it was good for the team to have a game where basketball was fun and to see the ball go through the hoop. The effort and intensity was there throughout and the offense made shots, falling one point short of tying the program single game record set against NVU-Lyndon in 2018. Vermont will grab on to this positive momentum and get ready for the road gauntlet to start the 2025 year and the conference schedule. The game on Saturday against New Hampshire is the biggest game of the season so far as I think opening the conference schedule with a strong performance will make a statement not only to the rest of the league, but to the Cats themselves. With the vulnerability that they have shown so far this year, every team will be licking their chops and Vermont will be looking to reassert themselves.
Everyone that played scored and there were eight Catamounts in double figures. Nick Fiorillo continues to look sharp from the perimeter and filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Shy Odom looked healthier, quicker on the court, and finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. With more familiarity with the system and improved health, he could be impactful during the conference portion of the season. It was really important for all the Cats to get their chances and make the best of them, allowing the players to exhale and believe that they can make it happen when called upon.
Closing the book on a difficult non-conference schedule, the season starts anew on Saturday. No matter what has happened to this point in the season, every team starts 0-0 on their quest for a conference title. Can't wait to see how Vermont comes out and plays this weekend. Happy New Year!
