Vermont 68 New Hampshire 64
I'm back!
In a game where the Cats were down three starters, the "next man up" once again took center stage and Vermont scratched and clawed their way to a win. How many teams can win on the road down three starters? In a season where this Cats group has showcased their depth time and time again, this might be the most impressive performance yet. Sam Alamutu was the star, seizing his moment and dropping a career high 23 points to go with 7 rebounds. He was aggressive from the get go and hit big shot after big shot, including a huge three in the second half. To top it all off he sealed the game with a steal. The jump he has made on the offensive end this season has been so impressive and it is great to see his hard work paying off. What a moment for him in this game. Jackson Skipper also put in a career high effort with 11 points on 3/4 shooting from three. Each of his threes were at crucial moments and it is impressive to see him come in and be ready to contribute despite not getting regular minutes. TJ Long rounded out the double digit scorers with 12 points. Long added a team high 9 rebounds and had 3 blocks. His defense was particularly impressive tonight, deflecting passes and playing physical. Of course he also had his signature late three magic that just about sealed the game. Shamir Bogues struggled offensively but did pull down 5 rebounds and dish out 4 assists. It bears repeating that winning this game with the missing players and foul trouble down the stretch is a tremendous testament to the program's ability to build depth and create buy in all the way down the bench.
Also wanted to give a few thoughts about the games I missed over the last week. To sweep Bryant and Lowell again was awesome and the best part was Aaron Deloney getting a signature moment on senior night. What an amazing all time performance by him and nobody deserves it more. Another incredibly dominant run through the America East and Vermont now has the longest regular season title streak at 8 straight with Gonzaga finishing second this season. What a dominant run by this program.
Playoff time is here!! I can't wait and Saturday is going to be a blast. Hopefully the Cats can get healthy for the playoff run. Best time of the year!
Glad you are back credit the coaching staff’s ability to keep everyone ready with next man up approach and a defense first philosophy . Now win three and get a bid , a 13 in Spokane is not a great draw , personally I’d take a 14 closer to home. But first things first got to win three against teams you’ve already beaten twice before never easy.
ReplyDeleteSam Alamutu was tremendous tonight !!! He really stepped up as did Jackson Skipper who had a nice game!! In short, a total team effort . I’m very impressed with this team and Coaches.
ReplyDeleteGo Cats Go !! Can’t wait for playoffs !
A great preview of what’s ahead in the coming years. Loved being in Lundholm Gym to witness this team victory! Go Cats! See Saturday vs that team down the road from us! Can’t wait!
ReplyDeleteDown 3 regulars and their best player had an off night. Playing the 4th best team in the conference on their floor on their senior night. Bench guys stepped up big time. Alamutu truly impressive performance. No doubt his priority was to contain the conference's leading scorer with his physical defense. And to help control the defensive boards. I didn't think he had those offensive capabilities. Marvelous performance. Who knew Skipper was a three point marksman? He will help next season as a 3 and D guy for sure.
ReplyDeleteDaniels/Robinson 49 Cat Bench 42. No AE team has what we have. Uncharacteristically, we had 13 turnovers which kept NH in the game. Holding down Daniels in the 1st half was impressive. It’s almost more entertaining watching the Cat defense but Skipper 3s are too! A great game where we had answers for NH’s never say die mentality.
ReplyDeleteTJ and AD at the FT line was a comfort especially after seeing Daniels late 3 (that could have been a 4, but he had other ideas going for a 5)!
Welcome back Lee!
ReplyDeleteGreat W last night. Nick is expected back, but there are no guarantees on the others, according to Becker's pre-game press conference.
UVM actually had 15 turnovers and missed 11 free throws. Got to clean that up. Free throws have been a problem all year. Will hurt in a close game.
ReplyDeleteI know that I should be happy to see the AE playoffs coming, but I am a bit nervous. Vermont is RPI 44, 25-6 and 15-1 in league. They should be in the dance whatever happens the next week or so. It would be great to see the AE develop to the extent that a deserving AE team could get an at large bid with the tourney winner also going. I shouldn't worry though, the Cats are so strong and poised and deep and playing at Patrick !! Will be fun. Lead us to the dance AD!
ReplyDeleteNCAA replaced RPI with NET ratings, which doesn't help Vermont for seedings. Unfortunately America East is strictly a 1-bid conference. They'll need to beat 3 teams a third time.
DeleteYes, I know all this: my point was that I would hope that at some point the AE gets strong enough to become a 2 even 3 bid league. I understand it may be awhile if ever.
DeleteI found it interesting how well every player that hit the floor in this game was locked in defensively. This team has bought into the Vermont system and seem to play seamless team defense. I enjoyed watching the defensive switches... very smooth.
ReplyDeleteThere are 5 players who hit over 70 % from FT line including 3 over 80 including Aye Faleye . Hurley Long and Deloney are all over 80% it’s a good end if game lineup .
ReplyDeleteVT is an average foul shooting team - ranked 175 out of 362 teams. They are 3rd best in America East behind Lowell at 73 and NH at 124. I still cringe when I see them go to the line. Not as much as I cringe when Ileri attempts a 3 pointer, though. He is 1 for 12 in his last 5 games.
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