Apparently the lids are off at Patrick over the last two days.
After the Vermont women's team scored 137 points last night, the Vermont men came out and scored 113 of their own. Epic back to back nights of shotmaking in Patrick. In the early going, it looked like the struggles were going to continue for the Cats. More missed defensive assignments and miscommunications. I don't know who gave the halftime speech but kudos to them because the Cats came out an entirely different team in the second half. Engaged on both ends, playing connected, and getting out into the open floor. Vermont exploded for 69 second half points and everyone who was dressed got in on the action. The Cats definitely exorcised some of the early season demons and it was great to see the players having fun playing basketball. With the slightly extended "exhibition" season finished, Vermont couldn't have picked a better time to find a little energy, chemistry, and excitement.
Lucas Mari got his first career start and stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. His performance included an electrifying 4/5 shooting from three. He was able to get out and run in the open floor where he is most comfortable. He loves slinging passes to open shooters and plays with tremendous energy. The coaching staff even got to experiment with Mari at the four and playing him and Sean Blake at the same time. The sky is the limit as he continues his adjustment to the program. Tonight was validation for my initial "Lightning & Thunder" Blake & Mari dynamic point guard duo (although Blake did bring the thunder with a huge dunk to close the first half). Blake came off the bench and stuffed the stat sheet as well with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. He also did a great job finding cutters and getting good looks for his teammates., His free throw shooting also looks much improved. The TJs did their thing, making tough shots look easy and getting physical on defense. Long led the Cats with 18 points and Hurley finished with 13. Noah Barnett and Momo Nkugwa chipped in 9 points apiece. Ben Michaels looked the most inspired after the halftime speech, shaking off a sluggish first half to finish with 4 points and 6 rebounds. He was far more engaged and energetic in the second half. Drew Bessette and Ben Wesson scored their first ever Catamount points and Wesson exploded for a crazy 13 points in only 6 minutes of action.
A great way to go into the weekend and get ready for Brown on Sunday. They are going to have to replace the nets at Patrick after these last two games!
