Colgate used an 11-0 run at the start of second half to knock the Cats back on their heels and then made timely buckets the rest of the way to hand Vermont their first home loss of the season. The Raiders had a response for every single Catamounts run and executed their famously efficient offense to perfection. Preseason Patriot League offensive and defensive player of the year Keegan Records dominated the Cats down low en route to a game high 22 points. Colgate also executed their defensive game plan extremely well, selling out to make every perimeter shot tough and daring Vermont to try and finish inside against their physical frontcourt. The Raiders played a near perfect game and responded to every challenge the Cats threw at them. Outside of the interior defensive struggles Vermont played fairly well and just came up short against another mechanically efficient, experienced, mid major conference dominating program.
Shamir Bogues returned from his one game absence to lead the Cats with 13 points. His relentless energy was on display once again, finishing with 7 rebounds and 4 steals. He didn't look quite 100% but continues to make jaw dropping plays of both sides of the ball. Hopefully he can get fully healthy with only two games over the next 2 weeks. TJ Long made some tough shots in this one and finished with 11 points. It was clear that Colgate was locked in on making life tough for Long in this one. Aaron Deloney scored 10 points back in his 6th man role. Ileri Ayo-Faleye had a nice game at the offensive end, finishing with 9 points. TJ Hurley chipped in 9 points as well. Nick Fiorillo had another strong game finishing with 8 points and 3 assists. Matt Veretto donned the sports goggles and still looked a little out of sorts from his injury, finishing with 3 points on 1-5 shooting.
Sometimes the other team just has all the answers. Now a week off before heading down to Virginia Tech. That game kicks off four straight road matchups to finish out the non-conference schedule. It will be interesting to see the continued tweaks and changes as the Cats get prepared for conference play.
