Vermont 75 Delaware 71
Vermont opened the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament with a strong performance against Delaware. The game opened with Vermont locking up the Blue Hens, who didn't make their first shot from the field until 6 minutes into the game. Then both offenses got going for an exciting half of basketball, with each team trading mini runs. In the second half, the Cats defense shut down Delaware as they maintained a solid lead for much of the half. Then the Blue Hens started to press and made things interesting, charging back to within one possession. Vermont executed and made their free throws down the stretch to pull out the victory. The Cats were able to get good dribble penetration and it really opened up their offense. It was great to see more flow and chemistry on that side of the ball. The defense continues to force opposing teams into difficult shots. The press is giving the Cats fits this season but they made plays when they needed to in this one. The rotation really shrunk with only one starter playing less than 30 minutes.
Nick Fiorillo poured in a career high 20 points, including shooting 4-6 from three. He also chipped in 8 rebounds and 3 assists. It was great to see some shots go through for Fiorillo after struggling to start the year. His ability to stretch the floor can really open things up for everyone else. It was also great to see the backdoor passes out of the high post return. That was such a weapon last year with Aaron Deloney in particular and it has taken some time for others to find that chemistry. Shamir Bogues finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He had that relentless energy back and was a disruptive force on both ends of the floor. A healthy Bogues changes everything for Vermont. TJ Hurley had a tough shooting game but finished with 14 points and 4 assists. He did a great job attacking when he had a mismatch. Ileri Ayo-Faleye battled foul trouble and finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds. He knocked down another 2 threes and they always seem to come at crucial moments. Sam Alamutu made big plays around the rim and finished with 6 rebounds. Sean Blake continues to provide short bursts of offense but teams are really targeting him at the defensive end. TJ Long is in a bit of a rut offensively but is working very hard on the defensive side of the ball.
A good win to start the weekend in a fun atmosphere at Mohegan Sun. Can't wait for tomorrow's game!
If that’s the Bogues we see the rest of the way it’s going to be another great season
ReplyDeleteHe is the engine.
DeleteIt just goes to show that you don’t want to put the nails in the coffin if there’s still the slightest breathing… great to see Nick have that game! The Cats seem to be finding the combinations that can bring them success. Bogues is a presence when in the zone. Fun to watch. Those close finishes are the confidence builders the team needs to reinforce the winning mentality.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteLet’s have more also of I.A. and Nick and an all around team effort. To win a close one (closer than it should have been) without either TJ shooting very well from 3 is a real plus. If this is an offensive trend, then we’ve got to like it. And when we play complimentary ball with Shamir and Ileri creating their havoc, it is Cat basketball at its best. Just make those “bunnies”, don’t foul the 3 pt shooter and handle the press for gosh sakes. It is nice to see we have foul shooters to put the game away…TJ Long missing 2 in a row may not happen the rest of the season. Finally, good to see the TOs coming back down. Let’s hope for TJ Long to torch his former team tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe difficulty with the press has been surprising.
DeleteNice to see the Cats offense get going. They can always hang their hats on defense but will never stand a chance vs the Dukes and Auburns if we can’t score more than 50 vs teams like that. They have the athletes and the depth to play up tempo.
ReplyDeleteThere is always a tradeoff with the defensive side of the ball when playing uptempo. I am not sure if the coaching staff is willing to make that tradeoff.
DeleteGood win against an American East like opponent. Bogues is looking better for sure. Without him.... And Fiorillo had a game! Great to see him get his confidence back. I think the residual affect of the shellacking at Auburn has worn off. I'd like to see them get more from the bench, but a very positive outcome. Yale crushed Fairfield yesterday so perhaps they can keep it going on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteThis year’s offense seems to be very stagnant. There is not much ball movement and seems like we are playing a lot of iso ball. This type of offense hurts players like Hurley and Long, who benefit from quick ball movement and open looks. With other teams focusing on Long defensively, and the lack of ball movement, he has not had many open looks. Hopefully the coaches find figure out a way to implement both ball and player movement on the offensive end. We have not yet started to play REAL Vermont basketball.
ReplyDeleteHe has certainly had the hardest time getting good looks.
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