Vermont 81 Albany 59
The Cats dominated from start to finish and continued their hot start to conference play with a win over Albany. Once again the defense set the tone and is what is setting Vermont apart in the America East this season. I mentioned the change in styles in an earlier post and having seeing all but one team play it is very clear that the Cats defense is a major advantage. It has always been a hallmark of the Vermont program but this team has an extra gear that can cover up mistakes and change the momentum in a big way. Particularly the Cats ability to challenge shots at the rim and their physicality on drives to rim. The passing and ball movement is also coming together in a big way. Even though tonight the Cats were uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball, they finished with 19 assists and shredded the Albany defense with precision passing. That is a testament to the unselfishness of this team and their ever improving chemistry.
Nick Fiorillo led the Cats with 15 points to go along with 4 assists. He continues to impress with passing out of the high post and has tremendous chemistry with Aaron Deloney. What a luxury to have those two coming off the bench and the frontcourt has really turned into a strength over the past few weeks. Speaking of Deloney, he was masterful tonight finishing with 13 points and 6 assists. His feel is all the way back and he has been tremendous orchestrating the offense over the last few weeks. TJ Long chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds, attacking the basket as he looks to get his perimeter shot back on track. Ileri Ayo-Faleye dominated with another double double, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He legitimately ripped the basket away from its mounts on a dunk in this one. An absolute beast. Shamir Bogues finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks and wreaked havoc wherever he went. He is so disruptive on defense, seemingly always ending up around the ball. TJ Hurley has become the master of the four point play with another one tonight and finished with 8 points and 3 assists.
I will finish tonight with a big shout out to the Vermont women's team for a big win on the road at Albany, ending the Great Danes 14 game win streak. Another Cats squad playing incredible defense and on a 6 game win streak of their own. GO CATS GO!!!
