Vermont 70 Bryant 66
Finn Sullivan hit a go ahead three with 3:33 left to go and Vermont made crucial plays down the stretch to seal the game. Another thrilling college basketball game with teams trading blows and neither leading by more than 6 points. In the first half, the game was played at Bryant's pace, up and down the floor trading buckets. In the second half, the defense tightened for both teams as players got more physical and attacked the rim. This game showcased the Cats ability to play level headed and never get caught up in the moment. Bryant was fired up and giving it everything they had, and Vermont stayed cool, calm, collected, and stuck to executing their gameplan. A clinic on how to execute and win in a tough road environment. Vermont is playing with the fire and determination of a team that is laser focused on their goals. This is the type of mental toughness that wins games in March.
Matt Veretto played the hero, scoring a season high and career high tying 20 points. Veretto was excellent attacking mismatches and stroking it from deep. It is practically a miracle that he has been able to have such an incredible impact for the Cats this season after three years away from the game. He has become the Cats most dangerous threat from distance. Speaking of miracles...Nick Fiorillo is back!!! Right out of the gates Vermont was running plays designed to get him the ball and he delivered with 6 quick points in the first half. The fatigue and time off started to show as the game went on but wow what an incredible return. What a boost for this team. Kam Gibson scored and efficient 12 points including the 1,000th of his career. What an accomplishment for a guy who has had to battle injuries for much of his career. Love to see that hard work pay off. Dylan Penn rounded out the double figure scorers with 11 points. Robin Duncan as always was the heart and soul with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, zero turnovers, and great defense. He officially joined the 600 point, 600 rebound, 400 assist club and broke the career games played record with his 142nd in a Catamount uniform.
Now it is time to close the regular season and honor this senior class against Albany on Tuesday night. Also how about those Lady Cats with a number one seed of their own. Get out to the quarterfinal game at 5pm on Wednesday evening!!
Perfect description of the Cats today, Lee: " Cool, calm and collected ". They were all those but also tough and physical. Not sure how many turnovers, but very few in the face of Bryants press. The Cats do reflect their coach. I just love the way the Catamounts play basketball- it has to be so frustrating for a physically talented team like Bryant...you could tell after the final buzzer- the Bryant players were standing around- " what just happened, that game was ours".
ReplyDeleteThe low turnover numbers are an incredible statistic. So reflective of playing with intention. I love the way the Cats play basketball as well. Easy to root for a team that roots for themselves. Bryant had to be deflated. They played a great game and just couldn't seal the deal because of Vermont's' attention to detail and end game execution.
DeleteWhat a game! Play by play announcers had it as it was the most well played game by both teams in AE this year. Whatever, game was won in waning minutes for sure. Finn’s 3 was huge especially on an off night. And we won this with AD being ice cold! And what a surprise to have Fiorillo back! One of the facets about this team that doesn’t get mentioned is “we never seem to foul out and that’s with playing great defense.”
ReplyDeleteIt was an incredibly well played game. Fiorillo was a wonderful surprise. The defense is so disciplined and it allows them to wall up without fouling. It is a nice turnaround because they struggled with fouling during that tough stretch in November.
DeleteGoing to be interesting how the seedings shake out but this win cemented this team as the no doubt team to beat. I think any loss at home in the tournament would be considered a major upset. I have to give everyone part of this team all the credit in the world for sticking with it. Even todays game could have easily been a letdown and they showed what they are made of. They answered every run by Bryant and made all the plays down the stretch. I look forward to the AE tournament and hope they just continue to execute down the homestretch. Anyone think there’s a chance they can earn a 14 seed if they win out?
ReplyDeleteHome court is huge. The focus on one game at a time has helped them avoid the letdown. I think 15 is most likely where they will be unless there are lots of upsets in other mid major tourneys. Got to get that bid first!
Delete14 seed? Well their NET ranking before this game was maybe 125, higher than their 80-85 ranking in past years, BUT their non-conference schedule was #34 in the country. Maybe that is worth consideration especially with all but 1 of those games I think away from Patrick.
ReplyDeleteThe non-conference schedule turned out to be even tougher than the team realized at the time. Almost all of the teams they played in November have proven to be strong teams. A 15 is still in the cards because seeding still depends on winning the tough games. Losing tough games isn't really part of the equation.
DeleteCan’t think about NCAA seeds before securing a berth by winning the America East tournament first. Past years have forced me to view the playoffs as a game at a time basis. The Cats have secured an impressive feat by earning another league title, but one and done in this league is an invitation for underdogs with offensive firepower to play loose and get the upset. The Cats are playing with confidence. One more regular season game left…
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Have to continue to execute and win before thinking about the tourney. Anything can happen in a tourney format.
DeleteThere were quite a few people that thought Fiorillo's return wouldn't have much of an impact either because of the long layoff or his tepid play at the start of the season. He proved them wrong. I was surprised at how much they went to him and his response. It was like he hadn't been out . I have always been waiting for him to start hitting 3s though as he was supposed to be a good 3 pt shooter. It's great to have him back and should have a positive impact .Interested in your take on how his return could effect the teams play and and flexibility.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for Hurley to break out .
I think Deloney should lose the head band as he had an off game with it!
I certainly was one of those people! What a pleasant surprise and I love to be proved wrong. Impact after a long layoff is so hard to predict. A credit to him for working hard to get himself ready. As with everything else his impact will depend on how well he can get up to speed with his defensive rotations. Hurley has really hit the proverbial "freshman wall". I hope he finds a second wind because he is brimming with talent. That was definitely a tough one for Deloney. He is tough as nails and I expect him to bounce back. He has had some huge home/road splits this seasons. Loves playing at Patrick.
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