Vermont 75 Albany 72
What a game!
In a tremendous playoff atmosphere, Vermont prevailed over a determined Albany team thanks to digging in on the defensive end and a late three by late game Long. It was a really exciting game with each team trading big baskets and momentum swinging back and forth. The Great Danes had the look of a team with nothing to lose, letting it fly without a care and Sebastian Thomas absolutely scorching for most of the game. Vermont was jittery at times, trying to shake off those playoff game nerves. Both teams seemingly had an answer for everything that the other threw at them. The Cats made the free throws count early before struggling to ice the game as they were 23-32 compared to 10-10 for Albany. Despite the hectic, high pressure nature of the game Vermont only committed 7 turnovers and got timely buckets down the stretch. In the end, the Cats defense dug in and made plays when they needed to. Survive and advance is the name of the game in the playoffs and the Cats proved once again that they have the heart and grit to win these tough games.
TJ Long once again. Man. So many big shots this season. Long shook off a tough shooting night with a clutch layup and the foul and then the huge go ahead game winner from the corner. Long finished with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Shamir Bogues stuffed the stat sheet and dominated for stretches on both ends of the floor. He finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. He was electric disrupting passing lanes and did a great job attacking the basket and finding his teammates. Aaron Deloney took advantage of his chances at the free throw line, finishing 9-10 from the stripe on his way to 17 points. Ileri Ayo-Faleye was tremendous on defense, taking on the challenge of guarding both of Albany's high scoring guards. The versatility he displayed and the trust that the coaching staff has to give him those assignments is incredible. His defense on Sebastian Thomas at the end of the game was the real clincher. Ayo-Faleye finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Jace Roquemore played strong defense and had a nice run in the second half with a huge dunk and a big three, finishing with 5 points and 4 rebounds. Nick Fiorillo struggled a bit after missing the last game with a injury, commiting a few mental mistakes and turnovers.
Upsets have been happening across several of the conference tournaments so far and the top two seeds in the America East both managed to survive tough challenges to move on to the semifinals. The Cats welcome New Hampshire to Patrick on Tuesday for what should be another great playoff game.
Early in the season, it was clear that Long had a terrific 3 point stroke- and he relied on it. But he is much more: a tough and clever driver to the hoop, a good rebounder and a fine defender. Still his clutch 3 pointers are amazing. It is hard to single out players on the Cats, because they are such a TEAM.
ReplyDeleteClutch! With 1:00 minute to play, it was Albany’s game to win, but we escaped Albany missing a wide open 3, then TJLegend swished his corner 3, and then we had to stop Thomas (30 pts) just 1 more time and Ileri and Co. did just that! Key Stat facts. UVM won FT battle by 13, Albany won 3s battle by 12. Pretty much the story of the game. Who ever thought we would win a tight playoff game at the FT line? Of course it was primarily AD and TJ, our best making them. And again, hats off to you Shamir, for getting us to this point and keeping us in games with those steals. Good to see Cats only turned the ball over 7x. Now we have to game plan for POY Daniels.
ReplyDeleteUmm we did miss 3 FT’s that would have iced the game. Great win though, Albany played as well as they could have and we battled and played within ourselves to come away with the win!
DeleteSurvive and advance , any word on either Hurley or Veretto ?
ReplyDeleteVeretto will not be available for the conference tourney, at least that's what I hear/believe, unfortunately. Hurley is a question mark. I'd be surprised if he returns for UNH, but I don't know.
DeleteCats have now won 3 tough games w/o Hurley and Veretto. Winning must game against UML, away game at UNH and yesterday’s must win playoff game. I think they know how to do this…although we would like to be at full strength.
ReplyDeleteIt’s life as the number 1 seed in a one and done tournament! They play loose and bring it hard. I do think we need Hurley and Verretto back. Just for the sake of depth. UNH will be another rock fight!
ReplyDeletePhew! Don’t know how much more that II and I assume the coaches can take from the Cardiac Cats. Love their winning attitude and play tho! Hats off to the whole team team, coaches and the few who really stepped up at the very end!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that the Cats escaped with a W, but it felt a little like a L. Brutal, brutal loss for UA. Thomas took us to the woodshed. Some guards really make us look foolish. Teams spread us out and go to town. See NJIT game. Cats need to get their act together. Offense should run through Shamir.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Bertram in the earlier Albany game went off on us.
ReplyDeleteDo we know what the injuries are?
ReplyDeleteI think we forget this was a team with an 8 /9 person rotation Ayo Faleye Fiorillo Deloney , Veretto Bogues Roquemore Long and Hurley that then added Alamutu a total of nine that has been reduced to seven . I’m not as familiar with the details of the other 7 teams I wonder what would happen if they lost 2 key players a starter and 6th man . It is a testament to the team first next man up philosophy that make UVM ‘s program one to admire , GO CATS
ReplyDeleteInjuries are part of the game. Lowell has been without one of the conference's top bigs for most of the season. Albany too. Next man up.
ReplyDeleteLosing to the 8 seed would have been a sad ending. Glad they were able to pull it out. UNH on Tuesday is a fortunate and well earned draw. They are less threatening than Lowell or Bryant.
Agree with your comment regarding facing UNH ,Any word on whether either Veretto or Hurley are likely for Saturday ?
ReplyDeleteRegardless of injuries the Catamounts will face a very determined UNH team with a bonafide MVP player and a strong perimeter defense. They will need to be on point, work the ball, and clean up the defensive boards to limit those second chance shots. All teams face adversity and I like the way this Vermont team just steps up to the challenge!! Go Cats
ReplyDelete