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.
