Duke 64 Vermont 47
Vermont hung around and the defense showed up before the offense sputtered and the Cats fell to Duke. Most of the game was back and forth and it was exciting to see the Cats fight back every time Duke tried to pull away. The biggest takeaway for me was that the defense showed up in a big way. Early on the Cats were getting beat for big dunks at the rim and things were looking a little bleak. But just like they have all season they dug in on the defensive end and made life very difficult for the Blue Devils. That game really legitimized how good this defense is. Watching the defense work this year has been incredible. The shots just wouldn't fall and the length of the Duke defenders really bothered the Cats. Unfortunately all I can think about is TJ Long and his injury. So heartbreaking and I just feel for him. Crossing my fingers and sending positive thoughts.
Shamir Bogues was great, scoring 18 points including the 1,000th of his career. I love watching him play and he really showed out in this game. Aaron Deloney chipped in 14 points and capped off his career with a nice game. The floater at the end of the first half is one of my all time favorite Vermont shots. I know it is not a buzzer beater or a game winner, but that was just so incredibly exciting. What an incredible career for AD. One of my fav catamounts of all time. Gonna miss him in Catamount country. Sam Alamutu was incredible, playing physical defense, and pulling down 7 rebounds. Seth Joba played huge minutes in the first half and gave fans a taste of what could be over the next few years.
What a great season. I really fell in love with this group. The grit and never say die attitude was just incredible. Every game and every big moment they had the ability to make you believe. The offseason in college basketball is more unpredictable than ever but I am so excited to see this group potentially run it back.
That is all for now. The Long injury really put a damper on my spirits. I will post a season wrap up sometime over the next week.
