Gutsy.
In a must win game, Vermont dug deep and clawed their way to a huge win, snapping Maine's 6 game win streak. The Maine/Vermont matchups have always been physical, defensive battles and this one lived up to the billing. In the first half, both teams were locked in on defense and relied on timely three point shooting on offense. Every inch of space, every drive to the basket, and every shot was earned through hard work and guts. In the second half, the defenses remained locked in as each team tried to move the chess pieces around the board to unlock the offense. Vermont shrunk down to a six man rotation and went long stretches with almost no substitutions, pushing themselves to the limit to secure the win. After a few more late game press break gaffes, the Cats came up with the big plays and pulled out the win they desperately needed. Vermont was strong on the boards and forced Maine into fadeaway jumpers on the move for at least half of their attempts from the field. Maine's zone was really good and the Cats stayed patient and limited their turnovers. Now Vermont has the week off to build on this win and start a streak of their own.
TJ Hurley led the Cats with 15 points and has hit 4 threes in three consecutive games at a 57% (12-21) clip. Teams are really making him work and he fought for every point this afternoon. Shamir Bogues finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds while playing tremendous defense on the Maine guards. He also hit the big shot, a top of the key three to break a 49-49 deadlock with 30 seconds left. Bogues also played 39 minutes and earned some well deserved rest for sure. He was an absolute warrior this afternoon. Nick Fiorillo rounded out the double digit scorers with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Sean Blake had one of his most impactful games in a Catamount uniform, playing 25 minutes and stuffing the stat sheet with 5 points, 3 assists, and a team high 7 rebounds. He also stepped to the line at 47% from the charity stripe on the season and calmly knocked down two clutch free throws. Big time performance from the freshman and you can see the game starting to slow down for him. Sam Alamutu had a nice 4 point, 6 rebound, 3 assist lunchpail effort. He also drew several fouls by virtue of his physicality on the boards. Ileri Ayo-Faleye is in quite a shooting slump and was in the doghouse a bit in this game. He finished with 5 points and 6 rebounds but shot 2-10 from the field. Hopefully he can get his confidence back this week.
A week off before a big Saturday night showdown on the road at Albany.
I think Becker saw another winnable game slipping away and decided to go with the kid, and the kid delivered with terrific energy which is exactly what this talented yet sleepy group needed. The smallest player on the floor grabs the most rebounds, but more importantly he relieves Shamir of a lot of ball handling work. And as Shamir goes, so goes this years Cats team. A turnaround?
ReplyDeleteGavin Perryman has left the team. No reason given. Not a great loss.
ReplyDeleteOf the two teams that would break the longggg losing streak to UVM, would it be Binghamton or Maine? Beating Maine was so much more significant than being upset by Binghamton. If we somehow keep pace with Maine and beat them at their house, we would win the tiebreaker for 2nd place and so host a semifinal game at Patrick. Shamir for 3 and where did that come from!?! But once again almost blew the game with much too casual passing…I just don’t get it. Poor foul shooting made it closer than it should have been (and TJ MISSING a couple, but his made 3s made the day).
ReplyDeleteFinally, what defense yet again…a complete team effort! If our “stars” shine and execute, we can be in the end of season conversation. But they have to be there game in and game out. We don’t always have that guy to take over games. So we can’t afford any more loses to the bottom feeders. They all know we can be beat…and Maine must be kicking themselves, although we were really tough, I must say. Proud of the guys for standing stout today when so much was on the line! I’m stating the obvious and it has been previously mentioned, but Sean has got to become more familiar and confident at the foul line. He is becoming invaluable getting the ball in end game situations and he will need to knock them down. Fortunately, he made those last 2 today.
Terrific defense and rebounding today. Hurley made the most of his shots. Fiorillo was better. Bogues looked healthier. And Blake was everywhere. Great game for his development. Ayo-Faleye was benched down the stretch. They really need his defense and bounce around the hoop, but he's taking too many threes. Vermont was able to control the pace. I think that was the key to winning this one. This team will usually fare better in low scoring games.
ReplyDeleteA good win. Some of the things were cleaned up, some still need some work. The good - intensity, defensive energy, rebounding. The stuff to work on - foul shots (although Blake did hit them when they counted the most), breaking a zone. This could doom us. The modest wrinkle of swapping guy at top of key and foul line is not going to fool anyone. They stand around on offense way too much making them so easy to guard. Careless turnovers. To not get the ball across half court in 10 seconds with a minute to go in the game is inexcusable.
ReplyDeleteBut overall a gutsy win. Need that #2 seed to get 2 home games and allow two other teams to knock out Bryant. With no clear alpha on offense need to get the most from Hurley. Becker was begging Ileri to shoot at one time as the others on the court were role players. How quickly Blake can progress as a playmaker will be vital.
Any word on TJ Long? He would certainly help.
Let’s build on this one. Week off and take care of Albany on Saturday!
UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR: TJ LONG COULD CERTAINLY HELP!
ReplyDelete"To not get the ball across half court in 10 seconds with a minute to go in the game is inexcusable." Exactly. This is a group of players that have won at least 1 AE Championship and gone to the Tourney It almost looked like they were expecting to lose. I really think their only hope is that the kid and his energy will snap them out of this foolish play.
ReplyDeleteThe standing around on offense is the biggest problem I see. I wonder if they’re gassed when the play their hearts out on the defensive end? But if you look at the college game it’s constant motion which they should realize since they are having to defend it night in and out. Umbc and Bryant had their way with us because the ball moves quick and decisively. Our offense is stagnant constantly relying on someone to make a play and the only guys who can do that are bogues and Blake, but it easier to defend once teams realize it. Bogues in the post should be where they start, like robin a few yrs ago. If double teams come move the ball quickly. When ileri gets the ball in the post he moves away from the basket and traps himself…. More movement better passing should alllow guys like Hurley and fiorillo open looks and even Sammy on cuts to get easier buckets.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. And that problem emerges when they are pressed bringing the ball up. The lack of urgency there rears its head with steals off of soft passes. I think we should have someone always dribble on up pretty much exclusively, unless a pass is called for. Let that be Sean Blake. Why not?
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