Vermont bounced back against Maine, dominating the Black Bears at Patrick. The Cats were back at full strength (minus Fiorillo) and it showed in a much more efficient offensive effort to compliment a vintage defensive performance. I said last week that a lot would be learned about this team based on their performance in this game. Maine is now 0-5 in conference but have been very competitive including a two point loss at UMass Lowell. The Black Bears have been an explosive offensive team and love to create turnovers and launch from the perimeter. Vermont was able to take good care of the ball (after the first two possessions) and limited Maine's chances from three. Vermont looked like the aggressor and played with energy. The offense had more quick ball movement and the balanced scoring was the result of better chemistry. Also how nice was it to watch a game with very few fouls and ZERO bonus free throws? That is the way to watch basketball.
If there was ever any doubt about TJ Hurley's importance to this team, tonight's game erased it. Hurley exploded coming off the bench scoring a quick 11 points and helped Vermont take control in the first half. It is no coincidence that their offense stalled in the two game he was absent. He is such a dynamic offensive player and his shooting ability creates so much space on the floor. The live stats are not working otherwise I would rattle off even more statistics. Finn Sullivan also returned to the lineup and immediately impacted the game on both sides of the floor. He knocked down some threes, blocked/altered shots, and poked the ball away often in a classic Sullivan game. What was nice tonight is he also was aggressive to the rim which is something he is capable of doing more often. Ileri Ayo-Faleye continues to impress with his energy, shot blocking, and ability to be a threat from the outside. He has carved out a very nice role and is improving with each game. Once again tonight Robin Duncan dominated all over the court. It is hard to put into words how much he has elevated his play this season. Again I do not have the live stats but I believe he set a new career high in rebounds and has become the engine on the team on offense and defense. I keep forgetting to mention that during this incredible stretch he has become the 31st member of the 500 point/500 rebound club at Vermont. A pretty awesome accomplishment. Dylan Penn impacted the game with improved defense and nice passing on the offensive end. It was great to see Penn adapting and helping impact the game even as he struggled to get his offense going.
Now it is time to face A surprisingly competitive NJIT on Sunday. Another opportunity to defend the home court and build momentum.
Great win, when after the 1st 3-4 minutes, it didn’t like it was going to transpire the way it did. It seems like it was the energy on both sides of the ball that made it happen. Also to have the potential distributor/ scorer in the middle of the paint makes for a better offensive mindset it seems to me. But candidly, we don’t have any players to be feared unlike Bryant who has at least 3 of them. By that I mean, while we have a number of players who can light it up, it’s only occasionally, not consistently. Looking at our stats and our leading scorers are at 11 ppg, we obviously have to win by committee with everyone playing great defense as well as sharing and passing uptempo. Averaging 65 ppg, we have to be “nails” on defense. Am I the only one hoping Hurley goes on a tear the rest of the year?
ReplyDeleteThe Cats are certainly lacking a player of the year type guy for the first time in several seasons. This is definitely harkening back to the early Becker years where Vermont often made something out of nothing and used team oriented and balanced scoring to win. This is definitely a defense wins championships type team. I am absolutely all in on a Hurley takeover. I love his game.
DeleteU are not mistaking in regards to offensive woes. We do have some players who can shoot and score. But, they need more consistency. Lots of new moving parts to this team and hopefully they will progress to greatness as the season movea forward.
ReplyDeleteAt this point it is clear what type of team this is and they are going to be streaky on offense and will have to rely on tough D to win games. All about getting a little better each game.
DeleteUVM has traditionally used tough defense to win games… I thought this game showcased it; great defensive rotation and Penn played like a Cat on defense! I am pulling for Hurley to pick up a swagger on offense. He has game. The missing ingredient is a consistent leader on the offense who can carry a team when the game goes sour. Sullivan has the ability but is all to often plagued by foul trouble from over exuberant defense.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I liked seeing Sullivan attack the rim more in this game. He needs to be a little more assertive on offense even though he is more comfortable as a facilitator. He is kind of funny in that way because he is very assertive and aggressive on defense but likes to let the game come to him and is even a bit passive on offense at times.
DeleteI want the UVM players that recorded over 1000 points and 500 rebounds / I believe Erik Nelson is one of them /
ReplyDeleteThere are many and Erik Nelson is one of them! On the men's basketball page at UVM athletics, go to additional links>history & records to check out the record book for more information.
DeleteAre there any hints or rumors regarding recruits of interest for UVM?
ReplyDeleteThe only other current offer that can be found on the internet is for 2024 canadian PG Baraka Okojie.
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