Vermont vs New Hampshire 2/13/25

Vermont 79 New Hampshire 59

Vermont led wire to wire int their most well rounded game of the season. The Cats took control early, never relented, and wore down UNH. In the first half Vermont once again got off to a hot start. It has gotten lost a bit becasue the hot starts have not translated as consistently to winning as one would think, but the Cats have really been opening games with a bang all conference play. Tonight they did not take their foot off the gas and kept up the intensity for 40 minutes. It was also great to see them look comfortable attacking a zone defense. Vermont dominated almost every facet of the game, winning the rebounding battle and making 11 three pointers. They also finished with 17 assists and only 7 turnovers while making every shot tough for the Wildcats. It continues to impress the level of discipline in their defense as they only committed 7 fouls for the entire game. They forced two shot clock violations where UNH didn't even attempt a shot. Great to see that machine-like Catamount efficiency that we have come to know and love bubbling up for the stretch run. 

Sam Alamutu played a second strong game in a row, finishing with a double double of 10 points and a career high 12 rebounds. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks in a great all around performance. He has looked more engaged and aggressive over the last two games. Ileri Ayo-Faleye led the Cats with 16 points while adding 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He has been attacking closeouts really well and is creating off the drive not just for himself but for teammates as well. When he is attacking space off the dribble, it unlocks a different level of the Catamount offense. Shamir Bogues is all the way back and he announced it with a simple, stroll in park, big time dunk. He was his old electric self and continued his rapid rise during conference play. Bogues absolutely dominated with 15 points (6-7 shooting) 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. For his career Bogues now sits at 253 steals (including his time at Tarleton State). That ties the all time Catamount career steals record held by Howard Hudson. Congratulations to Bogues on a big time accomplishment. Nick Fiorillo finished with 14 points and 4 rebounds. TJ Hurley fought through an off night, finishing with 13 points. The fact that Vermont scored 79 points in a game where Hurley struggled is the best indicator of how far this group has come. Noah Barnett, Jace Roquemore, and Sean Blake all gave good minutes off the bench as the Cats continue to search for that second unit spark. 

Now the stretch that will have huge seeding ramifications as the Cats have fought tooth and nail to give themselves some control over their destiny. They take the loooooooong road trip to Maine on Saturday before hosting Bryant next Thursday. The two teams they are chasing in the standings, right there, waiting for battle. This is what conference play is all about.