Vermont snapped their losing streak with a win over Miami OH. In the first half, the Cats were firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. The offensive movement was crisp and they were able to generate good shots. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cats did a great job containing the Redhawks perimeter shooting. The Cats opened the second half with another nice run to extend the lead. Then once again the offense hit a wall and the full court pressure from Miami OH rattled Vermont. This time however the Cats were able to hang on by virtue of red hot free throw shooting. There were flashes of that Catamount resolve and this was a huge win for Vermont. This is the type of game they have been coming up short in and despite the continued issues with the press, it was great to see them dig deep and pull out the win. Vermont absolutely lived at the free throw line as they took advantage of the Redhawks high pressure, frenetic defense. The Cats finished a whopping 29-32 (90%) from the free throw line. There were some very bad turnovers in the pressure situations down the stretch but overall the Cats only turned the ball over 9 times, which is a significant improvement. The defense continues to impress, particularly on the perimeter. Vermont held the Redhawks to 1-15 shooting from three and that is now the third time this season they have held a team to 1 or fewer made threes. The game was a step in the right direction and gives the Cats some solid footing to build upon.
Nick Fiorillo continues his inspired play, finishing with a team high 21 points by virtue of a 14-15 performance from the line. He was really aggressive off the dribble and helps space the floor with his shooting ability. He has book-ended his injury absence with an incredible three 20 point games over his last 4 games played. Great to have him back. TJ Hurley also scored 20 points, continuing to attack closeouts and pull up in the mid-range. He is evolving into more and more of a go to scorer. Ileri Ayo-Faleye finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He attacked the rim more in tonight's game and hopefully continues to expand that part of his game. Shamir Bogues made some clutch free throws and finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. The Bogues and Ayo-Faleye blocks down the stretch were the game saving plays. Jace Roquemore finally got a three to drop and finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. I thought Shy Odom showed some nice flashes and looked quicker and more decisive. He finished with 5 points in 12 minutes.
A nice win at home before taking the short trip down 89 to try and build off this momentum against Dartmouth. Also what an awesome atmosphere recognizing the incredible NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Vermont Men's soccer team. What a run. What a game Monday night. The greatest sports moment in Vermont history.
The Good, the Bad & Ugly.
ReplyDeleteThe Good:
Getting to the line as much as they did and burying 90% of their FTs must be close to an all-time record!
The Bad:
Still not finishing those “bunnies”!
The Ugly:
Late game turnovers, really ugly!
Hopefully, this will be a game they will look back on as the turning point to their season. I do wonder why Sean Blake didn’t continue to play. Again, Cats offense needs to run with more quickness as they seem to be at their best when they are moving with the ball.
Perhaps one more ugly: 30% from 3
DeleteConfused about Sean Blake’s minutes—named Preseason Rookie of the Year, but didn’t play the entire second half. The offense seems to flow better when he’s in the game. What’s going on?”
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this assessment. he seemed lost at times, not good defense and dribbling into traffic too must, resulting in a turnover.
DeleteHe’s shown great flashes of being a great player. Yes, he makes freshman mistakes, but he has the potential to be great, and we should give him the opportunity to grow. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think he turned the ball over this game
DeleteGlad to see them gut out a win with great defense at the end, especially the Bogues block after a bad turnover when he might have been hanging his head. In addition to Blake have to wonder about Alamutu who barely saw the court in the second half. He hasn’t taken the step up we were hoping for so far this year but I still feel more comfortable with him than Roquemore. MC
ReplyDeleteNice win but don't get too excited. Still had a second half meltdown with turnovers and had to scramble to win after blowing an 18 point lead. The free throws saved them.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to Barnett? He hasn't played in the last 2 games.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to have seen more of Sean Blake and Noah Barnet . They both have great b-ball talent but are still diamonds in the rough. I’d let them play more to give them real time Div 1 b-ball experience before conference play starts. Fiorillo is tremendous on both sides of ball . Nice to have him back . Hope TJ Long gets back soon
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