Darweshi Hunter banked in a half court three at the buzzer to shock the Cats. The basketball gods finally shined for one of the Cats opponents after some close victories to start the season. The game was sloppy throughout with the Cats looking sluggish and the poor free throw shooting finally cost the Cats a game. It has been clear for a while that free throw shooting has become a problem for the Cats and there were several opportunities where Vermont could have pulled away in both halves that was stalled by poor free throw shooting. It is too bad to have the game slip away because up until the last 20 seconds, Vermont's defense had really locked up the Redhawks in the second half. The Cats have 10 days off to chew on this one before finishing the non-conference at Brown. Hopefully the Cats cat get healthy during that time.
Aaron Deloney led the Cats with 13 points, but only scored 2 in the second half. Nick Fiorillo came off the bench for 11 points and 6 rebounds but was one of the players who had a tough time from the line going 5-9. Matt Veretto scored 12 points in a 3-3 effort from the field but really struggled at the line, shooting 4-9. Ileri Ayo-Faleye scored 9 points and hit some big threes for the Cats. TJ Long struggled from the field but finished with 9 points as well. Brenton Mills played very well off the bench scoring 7 points.
A rollercoaster road trip for the Cats with some high highs and some low lows. Time to say goodbye to a very successful 2023 for the Cats where they went 26-8 and took home another title. Not the way the Cats wanted the final game to go but a well deserved break to get healthy and enjoy the holidays.
Happy Holidays!!
Lee, that must have been a hard report to write- because it was hard to watch. As you indicated: the Hoop Gods giveth, but also they taketh away. I hate to be critical of any Cat team- but I don't remember seeing a Cats team shoot as poorly from the line, ever. 60% doesn't sound awful, but with the missed front ends- it was. Fortunately, that is a problem that can be rectified.
ReplyDeleteMan that Miami team wasn’t very good. Bad loss. Sloppy
ReplyDelete60% FT is awful, really really awful and won’t cut it at playoff time.
ReplyDeleteSeems like this team wants to bring the intensity and execution when they want too. Free throws, effort, not there in this one. Can’t beat yourself. I’m hoping these games are learning experiences. We will need to get that #1 seed and stay at Patrick during AE tournament. Go Cats!
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