Vermont's defense locked in late in the second half and the Cats got a big win on the road. Winning on the road is always a challenge but winning on the road down two starters is really tough. That was a great, hard fought win, putting the Cats "next man up" mantra on full display. In the first half both teams were shooting the lights out. Vermont was uncharacteristically loose with ball leading to too many turnovers and easy buckets for the Huskies. The three point shot kept them in the game and they battled back from a double digit deficit to only be down three at the half. The Cats snuck into the lead for a moment early on in the second half, only to go through a cold spell offensively with a few more turnovers. With about 10 minutes to go in the game, Vermont once again found themselves down by 9 points. The defense showed up big and the Cats went on a 16-4 run to take the lead for good. It was a great display of mental toughness without Matt Veretto and Shamir Bogues. Getting down early without two starters, it would have been easy to lose focus. Guys stepped up and showed great poise in winning a game where they were not at their best. The 18 assists are especially telling as it was a real team effort to pull out the win. The game was also a good demonstration of how dangerous Vermont's perimeter weapons can be with the Cats finishing a scorching 15-29 (52%) from three.
TJ Long once again was the hero. Long scored 13 of his game high 23 points during that crucial final 10 minutes, including back to back threes to put the Cats in the lead. What more can you say about his start to the season? He has been everything the Cats have needed and more. It is also worth noting that this hot streak comes directly after a very tough game at Bradley where he did not make a shot. In the three games since he is averaging 20 points on 14/24 (58%) shooting from three. That demonstrates some real mental toughness. Nick Fiorillo stepped right into the starting lineup and did his best Matt Veretto impression, scoring 14 points on 3/6 shooting from three while dishing out 5 assists. He did a great job running the offense from the top and his early threes really got the Cats going. Aaron Deloney played tough defense and finished with 15 points, 8 assists (career high), 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. He stepped up big time in place of Shamir Bogues and had his best game of the season. TJ Hurley finished with 9 points, hitting timely shots, including a big four point play in the first half. Ileri Ayo-Faleye hit a big three early in the second half and calmly knocked down big free throws to keep the Cats in front late.
Now on to another big home game against Colgate. The atmosphere should be great and sending good vibes to Bogues and Veretto in hopes they make a speedy recovery.
Congrats to Cats! Another tough one where we took the whole game to get the lead, at the very very end no less. That’s how it’s done Yale.
ReplyDeleteWho was missed more? Shamir or Matt? II’d say Shamir given the frightful turnover display especially in the 1st 10 minutes when NE was running up the score and running us out of the building. Shamir, Mr “gets a bucket when you need a bucket” also does what he does on defense.
I don’t believe the game would have been so close with him bringing up the ball. However, great minutes and contributions from vets and newcomers alike. Coach has a better sense of what he’s got.
Definitely Shamir. They missed him n both ends of the floor.
DeleteGreat win, it would have been completely understandable to lose this game coming off Saturday’s madness and being on the road down 2 starters but they found a way! It’s why this team feels different to me. I’ve felt that they have the “it” factor ever since coming back against CofC. Let’s keep it rolling!
ReplyDeletePS I wasn’t able to watch the game since I don’t have NESN but was following it on stat tracker. Any reason Sammy wasn’t a bigger factor in the game? It seemed they were getting bullied around in the first half and I didn’t see him in the game until much later…. I actually thought he was hurt too.
Yeah it would have been easy to have a let down game but they really dug deep. This team has the it factor for sure. Sammy is still struggling on the offensive end of the floor and the ball just didn't bounce his way for rebounds in this one. He played great positional defense and had the game saving defensive stop late.
DeleteI was unable to watch the game but followed it on ESPN live game updates or whatever that's called. When I saw Bogues and Veretto were not playing I didn't like our chances. Hot shooting by UVM for sure. Looked like Northeastern had a big rebounding advantage early but Vermont closed that gap. Great to hear Fiorillo and Deloney played so well.
ReplyDeleteI was concerned about the missing starters as well and when they fell behind early, it was looking grim. But again credit to this team for their never quit attitude.
DeleteThis team does feel different. I am long time Cat fan and this is the exact scenario that would have produced a loss in the past. There is a team chemistry that is promoting a winning attitude for all of the players. The grit they are putting on display pays huge dividends. Yale and NE are clear examples of this!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely
DeleteAny word on if Bogues or Veretto will be back vs Colgate?
ReplyDelete