Myrtle Beach Invitational: Vermont vs Saint Louis

Vermont 78 Saint Louis 68

Vermont dominated an undermanned Saint Louis squad to punch their ticket to the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational Tournament on Sunday at 5:30pm. The Billikens were without their leading scorer Sincere Parker due to a broken foot and the Cats pounced early and gained the advantage. This time the offense flowed early on and kept Vermont in rhythm. Saint Louis was hot from three to start but Vermont's stout interior defense made things tough at the rim. In the second half the Cats survived each Saint Louis run and kept the lead at double digits for most of the half. One of the early takeaway is that Vermont has legitimate shot blocking at multiple positions for the first time in a long time. They are making life difficult for opposing teams at the rim and are using their size and strength to wear down opponents. Today's game was also a good demonstration of the multiple shooting weapons and how that creates so much space on the floor. Opposing defenses have to mark so many different players on the perimeter that Vermont can get good perimeter shots up regularly. It was great for this team to experience both ends of the spectrum through the first two games, clawing back from a deficit and maintaining a lead. Those experiences are invaluable for a team that is in the process of building continuity. Now onto the championship game which is all the Cats could ask for in a tournament like this, a chance at a title. 

It was a very balanced Vermont attack but TJ Long led the Cats with 16 points. He has really shown some offensive versatility over the past two days with some nice finishes at the rim to complement the deadly perimeter shooting. He iced the game today with a mini five point run late. Matt Veretto is also showcasing a new dimension with some nifty back to the basket hooks and spins to complement his outside shooting, finishing with 14 points. Veretto also blocked 3 shots and walled up at the rim well. Aaron Deloney shook off his early season shooting struggles and set the tone today with some early threes. AD finished with 12 points on 4-6 shooting from three. Shamir Bogues was a game changer once again finishing with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. His ability to break down the defense and get to the rim was crucial for Vermont to avoid long dry spells when the perimeter shot wasn't falling. It is also great to see how his energy helps the Cats push the pace and get out in the open floor. Ileri Ayo-Faleye continues to impress on the boards pulling down 8 rebounds (3 offensive) to go along with 6 points. Brenton Mills hit two key threes in the second half, finishing with 6 points in 21 minutes. Mills has clearly worked hard on learning the defense and is providing a nice spark off the bench. TJ Hurley finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds, providing physical defense and timely buckets. Sam Alamutu again provided valuable minutes as well. Vermont has some really nice versatility and lineup combinations because of their size and shooting at the guard positions. 

On to the winner of the Wichita State/Liberty game for the title on Sunday. It should be a fun atmosphere as the Vermont crowd has been great over the last two days. This team is so fun to watch and I can't believe I have to go a whole day without watching a game!