Vermont led wire to wire in a full 40 minute team effort. Merrimack always presents a unique challenge as a team that plays a style that is unique only to them. Their wild, frantic zone turns teams over and prevents threes at a high rate. Prepping to play them is unlike any other game prep throughout the season. The Cats did an incredible job remaining patient and finished with only 7 turnovers, despite constant full court ball pressure. The defense has really started to turn a corner with better coverage on screens and a more concerted effort at staying connected. In the first half the Cats were able to get great dribble penetration and it resulted in efficient shots at the rim. Merrimack made a defensive adjustment at halftime and it contained the dribble penetration but Vermont was able to continue to generate shots at the rim. The depth is really showing through as it feels like a new player steps up with a new career high every game. This is allowing Vermont to play the match ups and overcome down games from their leaders.
Noah Barnett was the man in this one, scoring a career high 16 points to go along with 5 rebounds. He always plays with such a high motor and his hard work really paid off this afternoon. It also included an 8-10 effort from the line and what a luxury it is to have a big man who is so solid from the line. Sean Blake was dynamic once again finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. He also committed only 2 turnovers in a spectacular game against the tough Merrimack pressure. He really sliced up the defense in the first half and is improving so rapidly. TJ Long went from having a very difficult game where nothing was falling, to scoring the last 10 Catamount points to seal the win. Long finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. He is just so good at stepping up when needed. Gus Yalden fouled out but finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds in only 16 minutes. His per minute efficiency continues to be incredible. Congratulations to Ben Johnson, who passed one thousand points for his career. Johnson finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 26 minutes off the bench. He continues to provide incredibly solid, veteran minutes off the bench. Lucas Mari returned but struggled with the Merrimack zone. TJ Hurley struggled through a tough physical game on both sides of the ball and finished with 5 points.
Now Vermont welcomes two very tough teams in Siena and Iona to Patrick. Both of those games will be challenging matchups and the Cats will be tested yet again. I will miss Wednesday's games but hope to be able to watch it after the fact.
