Bradley used their defense to overwhelm the Catamounts in the second half continuing the Braves undefeated start to the season. The defensive rotations from Bradley were impressive as they really pushed Vermont around and challenged every shot. It was a back and forth affair to start with each team making runs after making adjustments during a timeout. The Cats were down big in the second half before some incredible late game shooting made it interesting. This is the game that will give Vermont some things to take back and work on. Bradley really took it to them and it was their first game in a tough road environment. The defense was a step slow in the second half and the Cats put Bradley on the line too often. Vermont is still looking for more consistency in generating shots at the rim and breaking down defenses with dribble drives. The free throw shooting also continues to be a struggle this season and that is always such a backbreaker in a tough games. Playing two very strong undefeated teams back to back is a challenge and provided the Cats an opportunity to see where they needed to improve. On the plus side they didn't give up and in both games showed some grit.
It was great to see Nick Fiorillo back out on the court. I love his passing and think it will be a valuable skill for this group. Matt Veretto went nuts over the last several minutes and made 6 threes for the second consecutive game. He finished with 23 points to lead the Cats. Shamir Bogues again impressed with his all around play. Bogues finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. He has such a outsized effect on the game it is very hard to take him off the court. Unfortunately he is really struggling at the line and hopefully he can improve in that area. It feels like this has been every game thus fat but Sam Alamutu impressed once again. He finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds and continues to be an absolute monster on the boards. TJ Hurley looked great off the bench, finishing with 13 points hitting 3/4 from three. TJ Long had his first tough game in a Catamount uniform going 0-7 from the field. He certainly has some streakiness to his game and it just wasn't his night. Aaron Deloney struggled with the size and physicality of the Bradley team, finishing with 3 points on 1-5 shooting. He is still searching for that spark so far this season.
The Cats will look to rebound Wednesday night with a home contest against Dartmouth and then Yale at home as well on Saturday. The Patrick Gym faithful will be rocking and ready.
15 pt difference at the foul line says it all. Great to see Nick out there.
ReplyDeleteWould have liked to see Seth Joba gets some minutes. Against a team like Bradley, Vermont can be proud of staying with them in the rebounding department. But Shamir, work on that foul shooting. Ouch. Finally, once again Cats are a tough out…what might have been if the late 3s were early 3s.
The Cats are a tough out for sure.
DeleteThat Bradley defense was something fierce, especially against the 3pt shot. Looked it up and they are 3rd in the country ( 22% ). Explains some of Long's and AD's struggles. There were bright spots as you pointed out: Alumutu's fierceness, Bogues all over the court and it was great to see Fiorello back- great passing as you pointed out. Hopefully, this is a home and home deal with Bradley? Love to get them at Patrick next year. Great write up Lee- Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThey are one of the toughest defenses in the country for sure. Unfortunately it was just a buy game. Thanks for reading.
DeleteGreat recap Lee. Appreciate what you provide us fans. Beginning to worry about some/most of our players are good America East players (and nothing wrong with that). But seem like at least early in the year when we play teams a notch above that level some of our key players disappear. Veretto and Bogues seem like the real deal beyond that I wouldn’t mind seeing a more shared version of playing time until a set rotation develops. I have to wonder about how Jace is doing? 2 straight year of starting every game at San Diego and now barely getting playing time. When AD or Long don’t have it, I wouldn’t mind seeing a few more minutes go his way. Great to see Nick F back and hopefully can provide some good minutes up front. Let’s see how we stack up against some Ivy Schools! Go Cats!
ReplyDeleteI would say that Bradley and Liberty are a couple notches above, particularly on defense. I am interested in how the key players look against Dartmouth. Jace's struggles shooting are making it hard to put him in lineups with other non shooters.
DeleteIt was an interesting game but one I think highlights their strengths, weaknesses and where they are right now. Their strengths from the most obvious start is Bogues. He is a game changer all over the court and i anticipate that he’ll figure out the ft shooting woes. I don’t think he’ll ever be a 3pt guy but his ability to get to the rim will free up the guys who really can shoot, and we have a few. This is also the most athletic team we’ve ever had by a country mile. Between Ileri, Bogues and Sammy I’m sure I’ve never seen so many cats skying for offensive and defensive rebounds. The other real strength is their depth. I think at every position they’re better than they were last yr and two spots deeper. The key to this season will be finding the right combinations which I think was glaring in this game. I think the first few games JB kept it simple with 8 guys but with bringing Fiorello back this game sort of reminded me of the beginning of last yr, in that they looked lost in spurts on the offensive and defensive end. I think both liberty and Bradley are much more seasoned and largely returned the same players which is not our case. I also think the officiating was a bit lopsided in that they made more FT’s than we took(and frustratingly missed). It’s hard to believe we missed as many layups as we did without real contact and those layups really contributed to long stretches without scoring which ultimately blew the game open. Ironically I think the final score was more indicative of how these teams matchup right now. As for going forward, I think Hurley should be starting and getting more playing time than the other TJ. I think he’s more disciplined on the court, has more potential and plays within himself. In a small sample size Long seems to force a lot of shots up which kills a team like Vermont who is always playing for quality shots. My only other concern is that Deloney is the heart and soul of this team but quite honestly I’m not sure he can compete at a higher level due to his size and maybe mills would be a better fit. All in all I think this team can be special and they seem to have the character for it. Looking forward to the next two games and then I’m driving up with my son to see them whip the Raiders! Thanks again for everything Lee, I love this blog and the recaps and insights.
ReplyDeleteHurley does a great job of playing within himself and is a key part of the rotation for sure. I think Long's ability to hit tough shots is ultimately a plus. Sometimes he will force it for sure but there are game situations where that will come in handy. Deloney will be fine and has proven that he can step up in big games many times. This upcoming stretch will be fun. thanks for reading!
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