Vermont used a strong defensive effort in the second half to end their three game skid with a win over Buffalo in the home opener. It was awesome to be back at Patrick and it was a great atmosphere. The offense was clicking from the start which was a welcome sight for Catamount fans. The Cats were able to generate more opportunities at the rim and made the most of their perimeter looks. In the first half the action was back and forth as both teams attacked the rim. Buffalo made a charge at the end of the half and cut the deficit to three. Vermont opened the second half on a 9-0 run and really dug in defensively, getting crucial stops. The Cats had a response for every run from the Bulls and salted the game away at the line. The big improvement in tonight's game was taking care of the basketball. The opening road trip featured games against high pressure, physical defensive teams and it caused uncharacteristic mistakes from the Cats. Vermont finished with 12 assists and only 5 turnovers in a much cleaner effort.
Ileri Ayo-Faleye led the Cats with 18 points on 3-6 shooting from three and 7-8 shooting from the line. All of his offseason work has him shooting with more confidence. He warms up with both the guards and the post players before games and the early returns are good. Adding a perimeter scoring threat to his tenacious defense is great. TJ Hurley knocked in three from downtown as well en route to 17 points. He was more aggressive on the offensive end, shooting with less space from three and driving to the rim. Taking on that scorers mentality will be key to unlocking the Vermont offense. Shamir Bogues stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He created well driving to the basket. Sam Alamutu played a little more as the small ball big in the second half when Buffalo went to a smaller lineup. He had several physical drives to the rim and finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds. TJ Long finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on a night where Buffalo made it hard for him to get good looks. Sean Blake scored 8 points and continues to provide dynamic drives to the rim. He is really good in short bursts as he learns the speed of the college game. Nick Fiorillo played a tough, physical game finishing with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. He finally got some nice backdoor passes in the flow of the offense.
A great win at home to get the Cats back on the winning track. I am so excited to head down to Mohegan Sun this weekend!!! Going to be an awesome atmosphere and some great basketball.
