Colgate answered every Catamount run and executed down the stretch, snapping their losing streak with a win against Vermont. In the first half Vermont struggled to get going on offense, falling behind early. Then with a surge at the end of the half the Cats went into halftime down two. The Cats responded to an early second half Colgate run with an explosive 12-0 run of their own to take the lead. The game went back and forth from there with the Raiders executing down the stretch. The turnovers and choppy execution reared their ugly heads once again for Vermont. There has been such a Jekyll and Hyde nature to the Cats this season with stretches of well executed offense and then stretches of balls bouncing off feet and stalled movement. Another 15 turnovers this afternoon and several crucial ones down the stretch. Before the season the perimeter shooting was the big concern, and while they are not lighting it up, it has been passable. The real culprit of the offensive woes is finishing around the rim. Before this afternoon's game the Cats were shooting an abysmal 46% (304 out of 364 teams) from two point range. Again this afternoon they were 46% (12-26) from inside the arc. So many of their games have come down to one or two plays and the difficulties at the rim combined with the turnovers have caused them to be on the wrong side of the close ones. The close game execution is an area where they really miss TJ Long. So many times last season he was the one rescuing them and making the big shots when Vermont needed them.
Nick Fiorillo returned and picked up where he left off, setting another career high with 23 points on 5-7 shooting from three. He also pulled down 6 rebounds in a strong effort. TJ Hurley finished with 19 points and has become the Cats most reliable scorer. His ability to take defenders to the rim and create space has been a great addition to his arsenal. Shamir Bogues was the other Catamount in double figures with 10 points and he added 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Unfortunately his struggles to finish at the rim are a large contributor to Vermont's two point shooting struggles. Bogues finished 2-12 from the field and is still missing the dynamic speed that made him effective last season. Jace Roquemore's effectiveness in his first few starts has come to a screeching halt as he is shooting 1-16 over his last three games including going 0-13 from three. Ileri Ayo-Faleye finished with 6 points and 6 rebounds before fouling out.
The Cats will be looking to grab onto any positive momentum they can over the next two weeks as they try to close the book on the non-conference portion of their schedule and look to start over during conference play.
Until then, how about Vermont soccer playing for a national title? Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a Cats team with that opportunity. What an incredible run and I can't wait for the game tomorrow night!
I really feel for Shamir Bogues- here is a player that was a good bet to be AE player of the year- off of last years performance. His lower body issues have affected his entire game, and he has regressed. I sure hope he can get healthy this year, because he seems like a great kid, and you can see on his face that he is suffering for his team.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine this team winning the AE. Even should they win, they'll be a 16 seed that will be demolished by a number 1. It's been a good run for the Cats over the last several years, but it may be time to bail the sinking ship. Wouldn't be surprised if Becker seeks greener pastures. Wouldn't be surprised to see several players hit the transfer portal. The reign of dominance is over for the Cats. What good players will want to transfer here? A total rebuild is in order, could take some time before wee see another Cats team get to the big dance.
ReplyDeleteWow! That’s a bit harsh!?!
DeleteWinning the America East tournament is always the goal and always required. Playing in the NCAA tournament is always exciting no matter the seed. It sounds like some lost perspective here. A tough start leads to the possibility of a very exciting finish…
DeleteAgree....there is nothing better than a team battling through adversity and winning.
DeleteNow this is a silly post. I do think this team is probably irreparable for several reasons but to think that Vermont is no longer a place players will want to play is silly. We’re all spoiled and really the things that have made us spoiled are the reasons this team stinks. Namely, taking care of the ball, rebounding and good coaching. Here’s where our expectations were in June and where we are now. Pretty much a returning team, two transfers that would be upgrades, one on def and one on offense, and 3 guys looking to have breakout yrs in Ileri, Shamir and Hurley, we can even through Sammy in that mix. Here’s where we are; one transfer left to take bs NIL money and be the 7th or 8th guy on an avg big10 team and the other transfer has been hurt and looks like will be a miss. The remaining team; Shamir hurt or not has been 65% of the player last yr. He seems to have the yips on offense missing bunny layups and airballing 3’s, and dribbling the ball off his foot. He’s also not wreaking havoc on defense. Ileri is probably the biggest disappointment on the team. Offensively he’s fallen in love with the 3 and has been terrible in that facet. In the post he’s not strong or wide enough to wall guys off so he’s getting the ball too far from the rim and has been a complete non factor. Defensively he’s been fine but it doesn’t make up for the fact that we needed him to be a top 3 guy on this team. Long has been hurt and also when he played looked like a shell of his former self. Nick also hurt and other than today looked worse than last yr. Hurley has been rock solid but unfortunately it looks like he almost will have to assert himself on every play and not play in his comfort zone of letting the game come to him. That leaves the bench…. Sammy was expected to have a bigger impact on offense, build on last yr and still be that little bit of everything player. Instead his ball handling has been atrocious, he seems all out of sorts and isn’t even doing the little things to help now. Last yr he had a ton of timely offensive rebounds and this year untimely turnovers. Jace was another guy that came in and was either very solid in giving the starters rest or even providing a spark. This yr he’s really done nothing. I still like what I see from Joba but he just seems to be in Beckers doghouse and I’ll bet he’s gone after this yr. Barnet is a pleasant surprise but still needs to be reliable on offense especially down low. And Blake has had a typical freshman year with some growing pains. That being said, at least he can finish at the rim which is more than can be said for just about anyone on the team. That leads to the coaching. The team seems dejected, the players seem to be lost and unsure of their roles and the offense seems stale. Too many turnovers, inability to break presses and inbound the ball just look bad on the coaches. Also how many times do we drive baseline and step out of bounds? There are just so many things wrong right now. Hopefully this turns around and our confidence isn’t wrecked. If not hopefully we learn from this year, recruit slightly different and do better on transfers. But Vermont is a special place to be a student athlete especially basketball. We travel very well and sell out every game. Look at how we’ve showed up for the soccer team which I’ll leave on that note. Go Cats!!!!
DeleteYea, some spoiled fans are out there. I just wonder if Coach can coach them out of this funk. He has been absolutely
ReplyDeletestupendous in his time here…dealing with such variations of a team challenge.
The saving grace may be it doesn’t look like any other AE teams are a lock to win it all, and even if UVM doesn’t finish 1st and have the championship game at Patrick, no team wants to face them when it really counts. If I remember correctly, we went down to Stony Brook and won the championship. Guys, don’t bail now, as Conference play starts with everyone at 0-0. And certainly watch the soccer at 8 pm tomorrow! Those guys have been “must watch” TV. Stats had Denver all over Vermont until PKs. Always great to steal a game. Hey, does anybody know the extent of Long’s injury and when he might return? If we have a full complement of our lineup, I like our chances in the AE.
If this team wins the AE, it's a sad comment on the quality of the AE.
DeleteThe opposite… it would be another great achievement by a UVM team. Enjoy the sport of it all!
DeleteThe Cats will do fine as long as they take care of ball . Sloppy passing etc.
DeleteAnd just a footnote to my earlier more optimistic post where the hopes can be positive about winning the AE, look at the schedules our rivals in the conference play. Who are some of those teams they play and Auburn was not one of them. I know there are some bad loses we have had, but the “learning time” is in non- conference. CATS will be ready and Nick’s performance was a big plus, as he may very well be the answer the rest of the way as the experienced “leader” they need.
ReplyDeleteBoy did I stir up a kerfuffle with my 5:14 doomsday post - glad that it got the Cat Crowd engaged - So I'm spoiled - but (preseason) I was also led down a primrose path of 1. Perpetual Becker Worship 2. This being the most athletic Cats team ever with grandiose projections for the coming year - so I will gladly be the thorn to all the Cat faithful who have false visions of an AE Gonzaga that is a mere fantasy...
ReplyDeleteI think they could have created something like that had their arena got built and they moved to the A10. But it seems that ship has sailed. I hate to bring politics into this but the backwards a$$ state really screwed this all up. They should have figured out a way to get this arena built at all costs. A civic center or something where the state raised money and reaped the benefits too. The greater Burlington area is big enough to have something like that. Sh!T look at the glens falls civic center. It’s nuts to me that they are still playing in that high school gym and rink. If they can’t get NIL money you have to attract with other things, facilities, chance of winning, crowd atmosphere etc. Does anyone have any insight as to where any of that stands if the state is thinking of coughing up the money? Etc
DeleteI’m not looking for an AE Gonzaga mystical moment. I just enjoy Vermont basketball for exactly what it is. It’s student athletes pouring their hearts into the concept of winning a small mid-major conference title and tournament. If along the way a shot goes up from the parking lot on the way to a spectacular upset, then all the better. I loved it when UMBC upset Virginia; but I’m not naive enough to believe that is in anyway a regular occurrence. I love the ups and downs of Vermont basketball and as a diehard fan of 47 years, it’s been quite a roller coaster ride.
DeleteHaving gone to Gonzaga I can say that the Zags played in a barn like structure and was nick named the chicken cook. Far worse than Patrick Gym. Yet they attracted John Stockton and many other good players. And Spokane is in the middle of no where.So the facility they play in , is not the issue . There is no greater fan base than Patrick Gym. Keep the faith and don’t be a “fair weather fan” The Cats will come around . Patience is a virtue
DeleteI missed the first 1/2 and saw Blake had 2 fouls personally I’d hand him the keys and as long as Long is sidelined I’d let Blake and Hurley join Shamir in a 3,guard offense ( I’d have Sammy and Jace provide some relief time wise ) with Nick, Aye Faleye Joba and Barnet rotating in the front court . When Long comes back I’d add him to the back court rotation .i feel the best chance for this years edition of the Cats winning the AE resides in Blake maturing quickly which means he needs more game experience. . I really wonder what the story was with Odom was the staff aware of the extent of his injury ? It will be hard to duplicate the TBH / Lamb / Duncan and Davis Shungu teams in the NIL era.
ReplyDeleteLastly , let’s win one for all the schools like UVM that usually don't get to play for a National Championship in any sport . I’m a novice when it comes to soccer but from what I can tell the freshman goalie has been instrumental ( and not just because of the shootout ) in this run . He’s big , agile and decisive. . GO CATS
Yes, the goalie - his name is Herceg - has been sensational, but the entire team has been amazing. And BTW, the fans have not turned out enough for this great team. Some have but a lot haven't. I'm replying to the fan that remarked on the great turnout for the soccer team.
ReplyDeleteOne thing for certain none of our AE opponents are in any way fearful of the Cats this year. I’m sure they all smell blood in the water and are coming for us. It will be interesting once conference play starts.
ReplyDeleteLikely Bryant or Lowell wins the league this year - both are physical/athletic
DeleteCATS get to play underdog all year but NJIT beat us last year so why can’t we beat them all with upset after upset.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound strange. So no word on TJ Long’s injury?
That would be great, but we're 12 games into the season, almost half way. I think the team is what it is - I don't anticipate some magical turnaround just because the conference season starts.
DeleteYou can’t turn the ball over 15 times and expect to win The Cats gave Colgate a run for its money despite that . And Colgate is a very good team like Vermont is.!
DeleteI also wonder if they were aware of the extent of Odem's injury . The other thing is that a back injury is something that often recurs. This is at least the 2nd bad miss they have had on bringing in talented players with injuries. It is demoralizing to see them making basic mistake like stepping on the line . not being able to inbound the ball, not being able to break the press, missing bunnies at the rim, air balling 3's, high turnovers and bad rebounding. The way they are playing now seems like a mid pack finish but Fiorillo will make a difference if he can stay healthy. Who knows if Long will return or how healthy he will be . If he returns healthy and Odom turns a miracle we could see a repeat of the 22-23 turnaround but it's probably a longshot
DeleteMy biggest concern is the turnovers and body language. Guys get looked off and they are openly showing frustration but the solution isn’t forcing a shot the next possession. It’s not the whole game but I e noticed it more and more with a few players. I think they are doing it out of a place of “I gotta step up to help us win” but stick with what’s made us successful and spread the ball around and work through the offense.
ReplyDeleteSomeone on here said that Colgate is a good team. Yes, they are. But they had lost five in a row and they were without their best players for yesterday's game. Yes, plural. This was a bad loss for Vermont. Bogues is the straw that stirs the drink, and he's injured. And that's making all the difference. If Vermont can get him right, the season will be saved. Otherwise... Also, we have no post up game! Good to see Nick have a nice game. Lee, I'll bring the keg over for tonight's game, if that's OK.
ReplyDeleteYes, no post up game. Nick is a big but he's getting his points from 3 point land. And, he's streaky - either on or off. The lack of a post game will kill them. Looks like Joba and Barnett aren't the answer and Ileri has been a flop at the post this year - at least offensively.
DeleteTHERE'S NO POST UP GAME!
ReplyDeleteAs if we needed any more evidence, this is not a good basketball team. It's disappointing because we expected them to be better. For the first few bad losses I thought they were underperforming or rusty returning from injury. Now I find it easier to believe that this is what they are and they overperformed last season. I expect they'll be middle of the pack at best in a weak America East conference, with a 4-6 non competitive games against Lowell, Bryant and Maine. And unless they can figure out how to recruit through the portal, we may have to get used to it.
ReplyDeleteThe Cats might be a bit lucky in that both Umass and Bryant don't look quite as good as in recent years. Point is- if we get healthy, there is time stop turn this thing around. It certainly isn't going to be a dominant AE year, but this group has done it before...and they have ability to do it again. It would be nice to know about TJ Longs expected return, not to mention the status of Shamir's lower body issues.
ReplyDelete