Vermont vs Iona 12/20/25

Iona 83 Vermont 78

In another exciting game, Iona used a monster second half from Toby Harris to race past Vermont and pick up the victory. Harris was awesome in the second half, reading and reacting to the defense and scoring at all levels. In the first half, it was nip and tuck early before Iona pulled ahead midway through. Then Vermont went on a huge run and went into half up four. Vermont was able to extend the lead before Iona made good adjustments on both sides of the ball. The Gaels went to a zone defense which slowed down the Cats offense and on offense they found success running Harris off screens and creating mismatches. Vermont had several possessions with good looks to keep the pressure on Iona but went cold at the wrong time. The Gaels made plays and executed to pull out the win. It is too bad the end result looks like another not so great defensive effort from the Cats becasue there were lots of moments of really tough, physical defensive stands throughout the game. They just couldn't quite sustain it for the full forty minutes. The perimeter shooting has taken a bit of a hit as the Cats have struggled to knock down their open looks consistently over the last few games. Some of this is likely the increased defensive effort as the energy expended has ratcheted up. The biggest issue on defense for the Cats is with no rim protector, there is a lot of pressure on the perimeter defenders to keep their man in front of them. I don't usually mention the referees as bad calls and good calls are part of the game, but the crew yesterday got caught up in the energy and emotion from the benches and the players and influenced the game more than they should have. 

Gus Yalden led the Cats again with 24 points and 7 rebounds while providing energy and excitement. He can shift the momentum so quickly and opens up the whole Catamount offense when he is hot. He forced a few possession in the second half but that is more evidence of how despite his success so far, he has room to get even better. Yalden is still a young player learning when to go and when to defer. I can't wait to see him in America East play. TJ Hurley finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds and made tough shots throughout. It wasn't his most efficient game but as I said he is bearing a much more significant defensive load than he has in previous seasons. Sean Blake had another strong game that included some incredible finishes at the rim. He stuffed the stat sheet once again with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He has grown into the floor general of this team over the last month. TJ Long remained in his shooting slump and missed several shots down the stretch he normally makes. He finished with 6 points and 4 rebounds on 2-11 shooting and doesn't have the same confidence and swagger that he has shown during his Catamount career. His defense was incredible throughout and again the demands on that end are having an effect. He is due for a hot streak. Ben Johnson chipped in 5 points and although his defense still has a ways to go, his effort and physicality have steadily improved. Teams really try to attack him when he is on the court. Trey Woodyard made his Catamount debut and scored his first points. With David Simon's injury sounding like weeks not days, Woodyard has a chance to make an impact if healthy. He has positional versatility and gives the Cats more veteran experience in the rotation as a 5th year player. Ben Michaels too has a chance to step up with Simon out. Lucas Mari has struggled to get back into the flow of the game after his multi game absence.

One more game to go in the non-conference with the rematch with Princeton on the 30th. A nice well deserved holiday break for the Cats after grinding out a tough first half of the season. The non-conference can be viewed as a success as they steadily improved, found defined roles on the team, and are forming a cohesive identity. As is said every year, you want to be playing your best basketball come March and this team has felt right on track for that goal. They were able to grind out wins and gain experience in every different type of game while still learning about themselves as a team. Can't wait to see how this group continues to progress. Happy Holidays to all!!

Vermont vs Siena 12/17/25

Vermont 83 Siena 69

In their most complete game of the season, Vermont dominated from start to finish, taking down Siena at home. It really was a complete all around effort form the tip. In the first half the energy was high and the Cats were getting all the 50/50 balls and the hustle plays. Instead of flashy huge runs, it was a methodical effort to build a big lead headed into the locker room. The Cats came out the same way in the second half, stretching it to a 23 point lead. Siena chipped away and made a charge but Vermont never let it get within single digits. The big story over the last few games has been the improvement on the defensive end. The hands are getting more active, the communication a little better, and the energy a little higher. It is great to see the chemistry and buy in start to take shape. The offense has been well balanced and the benefit of having a post game is creating great offensive flow and allowing Vermont to grind out tough buckets. 

Gus Yalden was phenomenal in his best game in a Catamount uniform. Particularly in the first half when he scored 19 of his career high 29 points. He finished 10-15 from the floor including 3-5 from distance in only 24 minutes. His efficiency is off the charts and he is such a luxury to have when the Cats need a bucket. Guarding him one on one is a risky proposition for opposing defenses. Speaking of defense, Yalden was much improved on that end in this game as well, getting his hands on the ball and moving more efficiently in rotations. Fun to watch. Sean Blake continued his rapid rise with another dynamic performance. Blake is looking so decisive and confident with his decision making. He finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. The rebounding this season has been particularly impressive as he is just pursuing the ball at such a high rate.  TJ Hurley chipped in 13 points in a team high 33 minutes. Noah Barnett stayed hot with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He is showing improvement on offense and is benefiting form the improved chemistry as teammates are finding him in good spots. TJ Long continues to get the lock-down defensive treatment from opposing teams but he found other ways to contribute with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and was quite disruptive on the defensive end. Ben Johnson led the bench crew with 5 points and 3 assists in 20 minutes. Lucas Mari had a bit of an uneven showing but finished with 4 points and 3 assists. He flashed his potential once again with some beautiful assists and a big dunk. 

This was a huge win over a team that had won 7 in a row and was playing very well to start the season. The Cats have great momentum going into another tough matchup against Iona on Saturday. Can't wait!

Vermont vs Merrimack 12/14/25

Vermont 66 Merrimack 59

Vermont led wire to wire in a full 40 minute team effort. Merrimack always presents a unique challenge as a team that plays a style that is unique only to them. Their wild, frantic zone turns teams over and prevents threes at a high rate. Prepping to play them is unlike any other game prep throughout the season. The Cats did an incredible job remaining patient and finished with only 7 turnovers, despite constant full court ball pressure. The defense has really started to turn a corner with better coverage on screens and a more concerted effort at staying connected. In the first half the Cats were able to get great dribble penetration and it resulted in efficient shots at the rim. Merrimack made a defensive adjustment at halftime and it contained the dribble penetration but Vermont was able to continue to generate shots at the rim. The depth is really showing through as it feels like a new player steps up with a new career high every game. This is allowing Vermont to play the match ups and overcome down games from their leaders. 

Noah Barnett was the man in this one, scoring a career high 16 points to go along with 5 rebounds. He always plays with such a high motor and his hard work really paid off this afternoon. It also included an 8-10 effort from the line and what a luxury it is to have a big man who is so solid from the line. Sean Blake was dynamic once again finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. He also committed only 2 turnovers in a spectacular game against the tough Merrimack pressure. He really sliced up the defense in the first half and is improving so rapidly. TJ Long went from having a very difficult game where nothing was falling, to scoring the last 10 Catamount points to seal the win. Long finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. He is just so good at stepping up when needed. Gus Yalden fouled out but finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds in only 16 minutes. His per minute efficiency continues to be incredible. Congratulations to Ben Johnson, who passed one thousand points for his career. Johnson finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 26 minutes off the bench. He continues to provide incredibly solid, veteran minutes off the bench. Lucas Mari returned but struggled with the Merrimack zone. TJ Hurley struggled through a tough physical game on both sides of the ball and finished with 5 points. 

Now Vermont welcomes two very tough teams in Siena and Iona to Patrick. Both of those games will be challenging matchups and the Cats will be tested yet again. I will miss Wednesday's games but hope to be able to watch it after the fact. 

SIMON SAYS WIN!!!!

Vermont 65 Pepperdine 56

Vermont used a strong second half on both sides of the ball to grind out a big road win in their first ever meeting with Pepperdine. The first half was a tough watch. Both teams struggling to make shots and lots of turnovers and sloppy play. The Cats survived and were able to enter halftime down just two. Then as the second half began, it felt like each team was waiting for a breakout, with neither team scoring for the first two and a half minutes. It took a whole 4 minutes for Vermont to score but after the first shot fell, the floodgates were open. The Cats made a three on three straight possessions and then continued the onslaught with three more to finish with six second half triples. The Cats defense held strong down the stretch and they came away with a hard fought road win. Cats fans were treated to the old rock fight, defensive grinder that they know and love from the Becker era. Like a warm blanket. The ball movement and passing in the second half was what really turned the game around and Vermont finished with 17 assists on 24 made field goals. Vermont showed a lot of guts bouncing back from the tough first half. This was a really important win to give the Cats a boost of confidence going into the upcoming three game homestand. 

This game was all about the David Simon breakout. What a performance from an unexpected source. He must have felt the vibes in his return to the west coast. After playing an effective 21 minutes on Wednesday, Simon exploded for 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a block, a steal, and two threes in 23 minutes. You name it, he did it. His length allowed the Cats to change their screen coverage in the second half and was a big reason why they were able get more stops. TJ Hurley matched Simon with 18 points of his own, including 4/8 from three. Hurley also chipped in 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a strong all around game. Sean Blake rounded out the Canadian attack with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. That's 44 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists combined from across the border. Pretty nice, eh? Blake struggled mightily in the first half but was dynamic down the stretch. The turnovers are a concern but ultimately the Cats really miss Lucas Mari's playmaking and point guard play to take the pressure off Blake. TJ Long made it three whole halves without scoring before breaking the ice for the Cats in the second half and finishing with 9 points on 3/8 shooting from three. He is in a bit of a slump and I bet is looking forward to the friendly confines of Patrick. Gus Yalden struggled with the double teams from Pepperdine and his struggles in screen action opened the door for the Simon breakout. He finished with 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists and was part of a perfectly executed offense/defense switch by Becker, converting a big three point play in crunch time. Ben Johnson now sits 3 points away from 1,000 for his career. 

The Cats get a well deserved week off before a three game homestand as they prepare for Merrimack next Sunday. 

Vermont at Oregon State 12/3/25

Oregon State 80 Vermont 58

Vermont opened their west coast swing with a clunker against Oregon State. The Cats started slow and couldn't dig themselves out of an early hole. Oregon State shot the lights out from three and for the first time this season the Cats offense couldn't keep pace. The length of Oregon State really bothered the Cats. Lots of pass deflections and the Beavers finished with 8 blocked shots. Vermont struggled to establish the low post or the drive and kick game and as a result were forced into many tough shots. 

Gus Yalden led the Cats with 16 points, He struggled in the first half but was able to bounce back and have a nice second half. Ben Johnson came off the bench and made 4/6 from three to finish as the other Catamount in double figures with 12 points. That leaves him 5 points short of 1,000 for his career. Noah Barnett finished with 4 points and 7 rebounds in a physical effort underneath. David Simon got his first extended minutes in a while and looked good offensively, scoring 6 points to go along with 3 rebounds. Jackson Skipper chipped in 7 points off the bench. Sean Blake struggled to finish over the Beavers length, finishing 3-10 from the floor. That was the big story of the night for the Cats, as the starting guards never got going. TJ Hurley finished with 4 points on 1-8 shooting and TJ Long put up a goose egg on 0-4 shooting. Pretty tough to win games when two of your top scorers make one combined shot from the field. I thought the Cats really missed Lucas Mari's size in this one. 

No time to dwell with another tough matchup against Pepperdine on Saturday. With some home games on the horizon, Saturday is an opportunity to regroup and try to build some momentum for the homestand.