In a well played game on both sides, Brown came out on top. Looking down the boxscore, it is uncanny how even almost every category finished out. Two good teams, locked in a chess match. The first half was back and forth with neither team pulling away and smooth shot-making on both sides. Brown came roaring out of the gates in the second half and the Bears took at 12 point lead. Vermont used a strong defensive push to cut the deficit to two. It was back and forth from there and then Bears star Kino Lilly Jr took over down the stretch to pull out the victory. Have to tip your cap to Lilly Jr as he hit some very tough shots down the stretch. Both teams played really strong defense and had to work for every point. That was a great college basketball game and an exciting atmosphere.
Noah Barnett got the Cats off to a hot start and finished with 8 points and 6 rebounds. He is really stepping up and learning on the fly filling in for the injured Cats. Sean Blake led the Cats with 13 points and was electric during the second half comeback. He gives them such a valuable dimension on offense with his creative finishing ability around the rim. Blake and Barnett are seizing their opportunities and are showing improvement every game. Shamir Bogues battled throughout and finished with 11 points and added 3 steals and 2 blocks in a team high 35 minutes. Ileri Ayo-Faleye struggled for much of the game, drawing Becker's ire, but responded with a strong finish, making some big stops on defense and hitting a crucial three. He finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Seth Joba made some nice plays and continues to improve his physicality on the boards. Gavin Perryman played all seven of his minutes during the second half comeback and provided energy and hustle that fired up the Cats. TJ Hurley struggled mightily with the Bears physical defense. Brown was committed to making his night difficult and he finished 1-10 from the field.
The injury bug continues to tamp down Vermont's ceiling, but the improvement from some of the young players is a promising sign if Vermont ever gets to play a game with their full team. Now the Cats head down to Connecticut for a tough road game against Yale. Should be another hard fought physical game with the Bulldogs out to avenge last seasons miracle finish.
