Aaron Deloney exploded for 28 points including the 1,000th of his career to get Coach Becker his 300th career win. What a great night at Patrick and huge milestones for two guys who fought hard to reach unexpected dreams. The first half was back and forth with the offense again stuck in neutral for stretches. The defense was there from the get go and AD sent the Cats into the locker room with the lead with a late three. In the second half the Cats defense absolutely ground New Hampshire into a pulp while the shotmaking arrived and Vermont cruised to another 20 win season. The defense that this group is playing really is quite incredible. Ileri Ayo-Faleye and Shamir Bogues stonewalled the Wildcats high scoring duo of Clarence Daniels and Ahmad Robinson to the tune of a combined 6-19 shooting from the field. Daniels in particular has been getting player of the year type buzz and Ayo-Faleye took him completely out of the game. The ceiling of this defensive group is so high.
Again AD was just masterful finishing 10-15 from the field and only 1 turnover. The AD lightning in a bottle games are some of my favorites to watch. The whole place is just buzzing when he gets hot. After that it was quite a balanced effort with everyone else that played more than a minute scoring but no one else in double figures. Ileri Ayo-Faleye finished with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. He just absolutely smothers guys on defense. Shamir Bogues played great defense as well and finished with 6 points and 8 rebounds. Jace Roquemore continues to be huge off the bench with 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Nick Fiorillo earned the start and fought through some early struggles to finish with 6 points and 3 assists. TJ Hurley finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds and Sam Alamutu chipped in 5 rebounds and a nice dunk. TJ Long struggled mightily as New Hampshire worked to attack him on switches on the defensive end. Matt Veretto continues to struggle to break out of his shooting slump and isn't shooting with the same confidence.
Now a very quick turnaround with one of the toughest road trips for an afternoon game on Saturday against Maine. Will be a very physical and hard fought game against a tough opponent.
