In another exciting game, Iona used a monster second half from Toby Harris to race past Vermont and pick up the victory. Harris was awesome in the second half, reading and reacting to the defense and scoring at all levels. In the first half, it was nip and tuck early before Iona pulled ahead midway through. Then Vermont went on a huge run and went into half up four. Vermont was able to extend the lead before Iona made good adjustments on both sides of the ball. The Gaels went to a zone defense which slowed down the Cats offense and on offense they found success running Harris off screens and creating mismatches. Vermont had several possessions with good looks to keep the pressure on Iona but went cold at the wrong time. The Gaels made plays and executed to pull out the win. It is too bad the end result looks like another not so great defensive effort from the Cats becasue there were lots of moments of really tough, physical defensive stands throughout the game. They just couldn't quite sustain it for the full forty minutes. The perimeter shooting has taken a bit of a hit as the Cats have struggled to knock down their open looks consistently over the last few games. Some of this is likely the increased defensive effort as the energy expended has ratcheted up. The biggest issue on defense for the Cats is with no rim protector, there is a lot of pressure on the perimeter defenders to keep their man in front of them. I don't usually mention the referees as bad calls and good calls are part of the game, but the crew yesterday got caught up in the energy and emotion from the benches and the players and influenced the game more than they should have.
Gus Yalden led the Cats again with 24 points and 7 rebounds while providing energy and excitement. He can shift the momentum so quickly and opens up the whole Catamount offense when he is hot. He forced a few possession in the second half but that is more evidence of how despite his success so far, he has room to get even better. Yalden is still a young player learning when to go and when to defer. I can't wait to see him in America East play. TJ Hurley finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds and made tough shots throughout. It wasn't his most efficient game but as I said he is bearing a much more significant defensive load than he has in previous seasons. Sean Blake had another strong game that included some incredible finishes at the rim. He stuffed the stat sheet once again with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He has grown into the floor general of this team over the last month. TJ Long remained in his shooting slump and missed several shots down the stretch he normally makes. He finished with 6 points and 4 rebounds on 2-11 shooting and doesn't have the same confidence and swagger that he has shown during his Catamount career. His defense was incredible throughout and again the demands on that end are having an effect. He is due for a hot streak. Ben Johnson chipped in 5 points and although his defense still has a ways to go, his effort and physicality have steadily improved. Teams really try to attack him when he is on the court. Trey Woodyard made his Catamount debut and scored his first points. With David Simon's injury sounding like weeks not days, Woodyard has a chance to make an impact if healthy. He has positional versatility and gives the Cats more veteran experience in the rotation as a 5th year player. Ben Michaels too has a chance to step up with Simon out. Lucas Mari has struggled to get back into the flow of the game after his multi game absence.
One more game to go in the non-conference with the rematch with Princeton on the 30th. A nice well deserved holiday break for the Cats after grinding out a tough first half of the season. The non-conference can be viewed as a success as they steadily improved, found defined roles on the team, and are forming a cohesive identity. As is said every year, you want to be playing your best basketball come March and this team has felt right on track for that goal. They were able to grind out wins and gain experience in every different type of game while still learning about themselves as a team. Can't wait to see how this group continues to progress. Happy Holidays to all!!
