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.
Colgate’s two stars really were locked in including that dagger by Smith that put them back up by 10 when he looked trapped with time running out…big time play. We had no answer for Records. I wondered at one point, why not put Joba in for some more aggressive attempts at Records and if he fouls, back to the bench…at worst he gives up 2 pts which Records was getting all day no matter who was on him. All I all though, quite a stretch of high quality games, and so I don’t think we are in a bad place. Great to see Shamir back but why no points from him in the 2nd half?
ReplyDeleteAgreed on Joba. It was not Veretto’s game. They were way too physical for him. Try it for a few minutes. I thought Mills gave them a boost in first half as well… they run great after timeout plays and seem to have a plan but too many times on offense they aren’t running good sets. Can’t wait to see them respond on this road trip!
DeleteI am not sure Joba would have had any greater effect. I have watched Records do that to any and all comers throughout his career. Colgate's defense was very good and that forced the Cats into some bad sets and I think they made some good adjustments on Shamir.
DeleteKeegan Records was impressive for sure. Vermont simply couldn't cover him. Hats off to Colgate. They deserved to win. Defended the 3, didn't give up easy buckets, didn't foul.
ReplyDeleteNice to have Bogues back. Such quick hands and feet, he is fun to watch on defense. Colgate defended him well in the second half. Veretto didn't play well. He'll be better next time out. Fiorillo played weak on defense. Would have liked to see Vermont get a little more physical.
Records and Colgate played a great game.
DeleteColgate is the exact kind of team UVM needs to be able to beat if they want to step to the next level. Similar to Liberty which likewise gave the Cats fits on defense and offense. UVM needs a legit big inside who can be the stopper on defense and a threat to score in the paint. They seem to be tough to come by lately...
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to develop a big with size. Anyone know how Perry Smith is performing this year?
DeleteThey did beat Colgate the last two seasons and have consistently shown the ability to beat the other good mid major teams. I think Joba will be that "legit big" player if he is patient and sticks with the Vermont program. Perry Smith has been doing very well with NC Central.
DeleteThey were falling for Colgate and not for the Cats. Late 2nd half the Cats had fought to within 5 and were playing tight defense on Colgate....looks good for a stop when Braeden Smith hits a very improbable 3 pointer from distance: dagger. In fact, they had several daggers when we got close. Whether it was Colgate's defense or the Cats being cold, they just weren't falling.
ReplyDeleteThat Smith three was a big time bicket. Colgate managed to make the right plays at the right time, much like what the Cats did to win their last two games.
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