Vermont closed out the year with a dominant performance against overmatched Elms College. Normally there would be little to take away from a game that featured this much of a talent gap. However, this season has seen Vermont struggle mightily even in games against non division one opponents. On top of that, with the challenges that the Cats have faced so far, it was good for the team to have a game where basketball was fun and to see the ball go through the hoop. The effort and intensity was there throughout and the offense made shots, falling one point short of tying the program single game record set against NVU-Lyndon in 2018. Vermont will grab on to this positive momentum and get ready for the road gauntlet to start the 2025 year and the conference schedule. The game on Saturday against New Hampshire is the biggest game of the season so far as I think opening the conference schedule with a strong performance will make a statement not only to the rest of the league, but to the Cats themselves. With the vulnerability that they have shown so far this year, every team will be licking their chops and Vermont will be looking to reassert themselves.
Everyone that played scored and there were eight Catamounts in double figures. Nick Fiorillo continues to look sharp from the perimeter and filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Shy Odom looked healthier, quicker on the court, and finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. With more familiarity with the system and improved health, he could be impactful during the conference portion of the season. It was really important for all the Cats to get their chances and make the best of them, allowing the players to exhale and believe that they can make it happen when called upon.
Closing the book on a difficult non-conference schedule, the season starts anew on Saturday. No matter what has happened to this point in the season, every team starts 0-0 on their quest for a conference title. Can't wait to see how Vermont comes out and plays this weekend. Happy New Year!
A scrimmage-like game it was, but it looks like they attended to a great need…bringing the ball up quickly breaking any pressure. They did so often with crisp one touch passing.
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, a whole ton of assists and seeing the ball go through the hoop is what the doctor (coach) ordered. They played with urgency which they need to do every game IMHO…no standing around and get to the hoop often!
Bogues was moving well and looked healthier than he has all year. Him being healthy and hopefully getting back to an all league level is going to go a long ways in deciding how far we go
ReplyDeleteCats were moving the ball well and it showed in the final score. Sam Alamuto looked very sharp out there- like he has renewed confidence . Some pretty moves and baskets. Ileri showed his b-ball skills and Odom played with vigor and skill
ReplyDeleteI do think that this team will do well in 2025. The talent is deep as is the bench
I don't take a lot from this game that should never have been scheduled. I know it's hard to get D1 teams on the schedule, but please keep these ridiculous games off the schedule going forward! Makes everyone feel good about the team, but a scrimmage like this doesn't help the team all that much. Elms College is not even a good D3 team, let alone competitive with a D1 team. Overmatched in size and physicality, it's no wonder that the Cats could put up 121 points. The Cats looked like an NBA team against them and Alamutu looked like Lebron James. Things get a lot harder starting Saturday.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, it is still basketball. Chill...
DeleteAgree. Doesn't help anybody. Embarrassing for both teams. This game should never have been scheduled. Not even Varsity against JV. More like Varsity against Frosh. Try harder to schedule New England D1 opponents.
DeleteNoticed that TJ Long was not on the bench last night. Anyone know his status? I'm thinking that he will not be playing much, if any, for the rest of the season.
ReplyDeleteBecker's comment after the most recent reoccurrence of injury was something to the effect of, "It doesn't look good.", I understand. I think it is fair to say TJ Long is probably done this year. Any chance he could swing an appeal for a medical redshirt year?
DeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteWhat’s the deal with TJ Long? Also, if you’re driving to Durham, I’ll pick up the tab for gas and grub. Thank you for everything that you do!