Statement made: Part Two

Vermont 67 Bryant 57

Set 'em up and knock 'em down.

Vermont dominated Bryant with a tremendous effort on the defensive end and passed their weekend road swing with flying colors. Defeating the other two undefeated conference teams in their home gyms on a quick turnaround is a tremendous accomplishment and continues to demonstrate the resolve that this team has. In both games they were challenged to win when they were not at their best offensively and each time they made adjustments and found a way to win. The first half was back and forth with the teams feeling each other out. Vermont exploded out of the gate in the second half and maintained a double digit lead the rest of the way. With the perimeter shots not falling once again, Vermont took advantage of mismatches in the post and relentlessly attacked the rim. One of the big keys to defeating Bryant is to make them play at a slower tempo and the Cats put on a masterclass in executing that gameplan today. The Cats finished with 10 steals and 7 blocks and made life miserable for Bryant on every drive to the rim. Once again the depth of Vermont and the balanced scoring shined through. The bench had 35 points in this game, outscoring the starters. Every time a team schemes to take a part of the Cats offense away, someone else steps up. The Cats have had a different person lead the team in scoring in eight consecutive games. That is a rare feat. Their unselfishness and commitment to winning is quite an advantage. 

Today it was Nick Fiorillo's turn to lead the Cats in scoring. He finished with 15 points, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Efficient, under control, and steady as a rock. The game was very physical throughout and Fiorillo held his ground and never wavered. Aaron Deloney scored 12 points and dished out a team high 4 assists. Deloney has very quietly scored in double figures in four consecutive games and is back to the steady AD we know and love. Jace Roquemore provided a huge spark early in the first half after Shamir Bogues tweaked his foot and needed a breather. Rocquemore scored 8 points to go with 3 assists and 3 steals and had an absolute poster dunk on conference leading shot blocker Daniel Rivera. Speaking of Bogues, he gutted it out and played tremendous defense on conference leading scorer Sherif Gross-Bullock. He finished with 6 points and 6 rebounds but missed some bunnies at the rim as his vertical explosiveness has taken a slight hit due to the injury. He battled hard today and the game served as a prime example of how many different ways he can impact the outcome. TJ Hurley was the only starter in double figures with 10 points and he has really assumed the silent assassin role that Everett Duncan was so good at. Hurley doesn't need the ball in his hands to make a huge impact and very quietly moves himself around the perimeter, ready to knock down big shots. Ileri Ayo-Faleye continued his strong play with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. He took a beating in this one and struggled from the field but has really become a player that can impose his will on the game and change the momentum with a single play. Matt Veretto played tough defense and finished with 5 points and 6 rebounds. TJ Long has hit quite a slump with the added defensive attention and is struggling to find his rhythm. It will be his time again soon and I am sure he will bounce back. 

Vermont is back home on Thursday with the challenge of maintaining focus after a big weekend of key wins. Old rival Albany comes to Patrick as another uptempo team looking to speed up the Cats. This Cats group is fun to watch and I can't wait for the game.