What a special group.
Vermont once again used their stifling defense and timely shotmaking to put away a determined UMass Lowell squad. The Cats got the three-peat and punched their ticket to March Madness. Another incredible season for a program that has set an absurd and unreal standard of success. From the first time I watched this group in June you could feel the focus, intensity, and chemistry. Throughout the season the guts and mental toughness that this group showed was so fun to watch. Whether it was watching this group dig in on defense or hit big shots on offense, every game was fun to watch (even if it required an iron constitution). Almost 20 years after the first three-peat, the symmetry is pleasing and what an incredible checkpoint in the two decade run this Vermont program has had.
The game got off to an electric start with Shamir Bogues flying all over the court and Ileri Ayo-Faleye throwing down a huge dunk. UMass Lowell clawed their way back into the game by relentlessly attacking both the glass and the basket, resulting in regular trips to the free throw line. The teams traded blows and Lowell went into the break up three. In the second half who else but TJ Long got hot and scored 11 points in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Long then promptly picked up his fourth foul. The Vermont coaching staff deserves an award just for the substitution as they subbed in Nick Fiorillo who promptly hit two huge three pointers. The Cats were great on the boards in the second half, only turned the ball over 6 times and made the plays down the stretch to seal the game.
Bogues was named most outstanding player as he once again led the Cats on both sides of the ball. He finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and zero turnovers. I say it after every game but man is Bogues electric. He finished with 13 steals in the 3 tourney games. That is a 4 steal per game average!! Insanity. What a incredible player. TJ Long scored 14 points and once again proved that he finds an extra gear when the game is on the line. Aaron Deloney struggled on a 2-11 shooting day but gutted it out as always, icing the game with a tough layup and making 7-8 from the line. AD is an all time Catamount and deserved every bit of this three-peat to cap off his five seasons in Burlington. Nick Fiorillo made the most of his opportunities and his two threes in the second half were absolute game changers. Fiorillo finished with 11 points to round out the double figure scorers. Ileri Ayo-Faleye was the do it all unsung hero of the day, finishing with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. The stat most indicative of his growth this season is the 4 assists to lead the Cats today. He got some rhythm late in the season attacking the basket and finding a drive and dish balance. Sam Alamutu is the "beyond the box score " MVP of the season. There are games where his final line looks like nothing (0 points and 3 rebounds today) but it feels like every rebound is a big one and he seems to always find a way to impact crucial possessions. All season this has been a team in every sense of the word. Everyone bought into winning and everybody was ready to do whatever it took to reach their ultimate goal. Truly special to watch.
Time to go dancing!! Can't wait for the selection show tomorrow!!
