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.
The coaches made some settling decisions on the rotation and it showed both defensively and on offense. It was a welcome relief to see some of the old potential to resurface as well as the perimeter players heating up. The slicing to the basket sure opened the door for more open threes. Fun game to watch!
ReplyDeleteSettling in is a good way to describe it.
DeleteAgree that Nick played better. Now if he could only make his bunnies around the rim!
ReplyDeleteHe would like to have those back for sure!
DeleteLooks like Joba is not going to see the floor much - he played 1 minute last night and none in the Iona game. Seems the coaches have decided he's not going to be part of the rotation.
ReplyDeleteHis defense continues to let him down. Just not quite there yet.
DeleteOdom was in street clothes last night. Looks like his injury situation isn't getting any better.
ReplyDeleteIt look to be a lingering situation.
DeleteThis team seems to be both blessed and cursed by depth. This team easily has 6 guards and 5 front court players . It’s hard to get any rhythm without playing time . Sean Blake seems like the most college ready freshman UVM has had in a while and I agree with the comment that he is likely to see more playing time as he gets accustomed to the speed of the college game . What I’m having trouble understanding is what Becker is going to do about the front court . Five players for two spots . Clearly Ileti is the most versatile of the bigs with athleticism and skill . Nick has the experience. Barnett may have the most raw physical talent , Seth may be the most skillful and Odom the most potential to push this team to another level. This team has a wealth of talent . But when I compare this team to some recent past teams I don’t see Ben Shungu or Ryan Davis or Dylan Penn or Ernie Duncan at least not yet. Also which team shows up each night the one that beat UAB or the one who squandered a lead against Iona . That will determine how high the ceiling is for this edition .
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely more of a "sum of its parts" team but when health Bogues can be that guy.
DeleteNice game and it’s great to win the first game at home. Defense was awesome and stifled Buffalo from putting up serious points in second half. Blake is the real deal and improves with every game . Barnett is going to be a very good player in time. Faleye is — wow
ReplyDeleteBogues is coming along from his feet problem.
I’m excited about the upcoming season remainder games!
Go Cats Go !
Great win!
DeleteThat was more like the Cat team we are used to. So great to see Ileri emerge as an offensive force- with his usual D. Shamir seems to be feeling a bit better ( though if he finishes at the rim, he has he's another 4-6 points ). Sammy at the PF seems such a better fit. Hurley managed his foul trouble well- and hit some important shots when we needed them. Great Team D against an athletic team. The rebounding does need some work. Good win
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteMy first comment on the year as it has been such a tough start outside of UAB…
ReplyDeleteand that one we win perhaps only because I.O. banks 2 straight 3 pointers, one which went for 4 pts. So given the last 2 dreary performances, last night’s home opener was really BIG. My takeaways are that we need I.O. to be that way every game on both ends (he’s just too damn good). Nice to see how locked in he is at the foul line. Also, Cats need to keep the pace up on offense to create the seams/holes and get to the rim and at least be at the foul line. Going forward, are we going to be vulnerable to the zone defenses this year? Can up tempo pace deal with that adequately?
Let’s hope Shy Odom can eventually be a force and depth piece this year.🤞
Will be exciting to see all of the growth throughout the season.
DeleteGreat to play at home. Great to score 78 points. Great to win. But this wasn't a good Buffalo team they beat. I'm a little concerned Buffalo scored as easily as they did at times. Probably I am expecting too much. Fiorillo played much better. I am happy about that. Hurley and Ayo Fayeye are going to be good this year. Long looks a little heavy to me. It is hurting his defense. And Bogues has lost his explosiveness and lift. Alumutu makes more of an impact in the front court. His toughness is contagious. They need that. Nothing from Odom, Joba or Barnett. I think they will need one or two of those guys down the road. Nice to see the turnovers were down. Onto Mohegan. Bryant just beat Delaware by one in a high scoring game. That might be a fun one.
ReplyDeleteMohegan is so fun!
DeleteAre you on the soccer bandwagon, Lee? Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteHeck yeah! Watched both games this week. Awesome!
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