In another exciting back and forth college basketball game, Vermont came up just short against Yale. I know it would be nice to have won a few more but to be one or two plays away against 8-0 Buffalo, 6-2 Liberty, and 7-1 Yale during a stretch where the team is still finding itself points to a breakthrough at some point. This game continued the trend of the Cats digging deep and not letting a game get away from them as they battled back from a 10 point deficit in the second half. Three straight Yale offensive possessions at the end of the game had the ball hanging in excruciating fashion on the rim before falling for the visitors. Sometimes they don't roll your way. Yale was the best three point shooting team in the country going into the game today and Vermont did a great job limiting those perimeter opportunities. Defensively they still need to figure out how to improve their paint defense as teams are relentlessly attacking them at the rim, but they made some strides and even got a big stop before a questionable final play call that Becker took responsibility for at the end of the game. Vermont having a post presence to dump it into on offense is really opening up that end of the court and there is a lot to like about just how efficient this offense can become this season.
Gus Yalden led the Cats once again, scoring 22 points to go along with 7 rebounds in a team high 32 minutes. He continues to be the hub of the Catamount offense, either scoring underneath, playing the pick and pop, or kicking out to open shooters. He looks better and better each game. Congratulations to TJ Hurley for surpassing 1,000 points. In the age of the transfer portal, Hurley is a throwback to the four year player, developing and growing within one program. Incredible accomplishment. Hurley finished with 19 points and looked much better following a bought with the flu in Florida. TJ Long came off the bench due to disciplinary reasons but finished with 18 points, including some highlight level shotmaking. Sean Blake was the other Catamount in double figures with 10 points and chipped in 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He is really growing into his role in the offense and it feels like he is on the verge of a breakout game. He did finish with 5 turnovers, the last one being costly, but he had more of a playmaking burden with Lucas Mari in street clothes. Momo Nkugwa continues impress on the boards finishing with another 4 rebounds and he also played a little point guard this afternoon.
Nothing easy for these Cats as they continue to face challenge after challenge early this season. A west coast swing for two tough games before the schedule finally calms down and gives the Cats a chance to take a breath.
