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.
