Vermont continued their dominating play in a road win against NJIT. The Cats put this one away by bookending halftime with big runs and hot shooting. The second unit played the last ten minutes of the game and the lead was as large as 37 points in the second half. There is not much else to say other than this team is playing at a ridiculously high level right now. The depth and versatility is overwhelming teams from the opening tip. So many different lineup combinations, so many different offensive and defensive weapons. Vermont is able to make any adjustment and if one player is having an off night, someone else steps up. One of the most fun parts about watching college basketball is witnessing the growth of a team in real time over the course of the season. Players growing into their roles and expanding their game, incorporating new players and watching them buy into the system. The Cats are in one of those stretches where you just get to sit back and watch the show.
Finn Sullivan once again played his role as the offensive catalyst. He is on an otherworldly streak for sure. Another 18 points on the back of a 6-6 performance from three. That is 16 made threes over the past three games. Shooting with confidence and playing with a whole lot of swagger. Nick Fiorillo matched Sullivan with a career high 18 points of his own to go along with 7 rebounds. Fiorillo had struggled mightily with his shot so far this season and it was good to see some finally find the bottom of the net. The skills are there for Fiorillo to make an impact and maybe a game like this will help jumpstart his confidence. Ryan Davis and Ben Shungu earned their second half rest after dominating the first half. Both scored 13 points and were nearly unstoppable in building the lead early.
The Cats will look to continue this hot stretch against the defending champs Hartford at home on Saturday night. Vermont will be looking to exact some revenge after last year's semifinal defeat at the hands (claws? talons?) of the Hawks. You would think welcoming a 3-10 team into Patrick on a streak like the Cats are on would be a cakewalk but this is a deceptive matchup. Hartford dealt with injuries in the non-conference and then just barely returned from nearly a month off due to COVID. They also brought back cult hero Traci Carter right at the end of the non conference and he has galvanized this team. They are coming off dominating UNH in tonight's matchup and are always a pesky, hard nosed team. I am very interested to see which version of the Hawks shows up Saturday night. I expect Vermont will be hungry to make another statement in front of the home crowd.
Cats are looking great, but it's still early, and they cannot be complacent. A handful of teams can take this league. Please send UHA home with an L please!
ReplyDeleteThe Cats biggest challenge the rest of the season will be to maintain their mentality and execution from game to game.
DeleteThe best part of the last few games is that the shots they are taking are all flowing through the offense as opposed to forcing up shots.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. The flow of the offense has been impressive.
DeleteChanging the subject with a few roster questions. Who are the seniors who will have no eligibility left after the 21-22 season? Looking at Verbal Commits it lists Shungu, Patella and Mazzulla. Is this accurate? And what is the status of DeMuth?
ReplyDeleteTo the best of my knowledge the Verbal Commits page is representative of remaining eligibility. That puts Patella, Shungu, and Mazzulla in their final year of eligibility. I believe DeMuth cannot shake a nagging hip injury, as far as I know.
DeleteI listened to Matt Moore's interview re switching conferences on the Brady podcast. The MAAC and the NEC are terrible fits for Vermont. It's a non discussion. Patriot would be better, if they don't go higher... You were right about Fiorillo. I really hope he keeps it up... Finn Sullivan - what a player. Who was the recruiter behind that coup?
ReplyDeleteThere is really no higher place to go. That is the ultimate reason they should stay in the AE and as long as the league can add some teams. Patriot is at best a lateral move with bigger travel costs. I am not sure about the lead recruiter on that one but is a good example of the power of the transfer portal.
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