Albany used a big burst in the second half to beat Vermont for the first time in five years. It was the Cats first conference loss and in a similar fashion to their last two games, they got down big in the second half before clawing their way back. This time the didn't have quite enough to get over the hump. Albany played a great game and after a tough and challenging non conference schedule is playing great basketball since Abdoulaye Fall returned from injury at the start of conference play. The Great Danes forced the Cats into 13 turnovers and capitalized at the other end. It was a game of big runs and momentum swings as each team went on multiple double digit scoring runs. Vermont's defense struggled for much of the game but dug in late to get them back in the game. Unfortunately their defensive rebounding (normally their very best skill) let them down and gave Albany extra possessions during the Cats comeback. Vermont is still looking for that 40 minutes of locked in play as both sides of the ball have been coming and going for stretches over the past few weeks. Again they showed great poise and grit in getting back into the game but need a way to find that same level of intensity earlier in the contest.
Gus Yalden led the Cats with 21 points and 8 rebounds in a nice bounce back effort. The coaching staff continues to look for ways to maximize his offensive impact and stop teams from taking advantage of him in pick and roll at the defensive end. TJ Hurley finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds but struggled with his efficiency, shooting 4-13 from the field. Albany's defense forced him into some lower percentage mid-range shots and did a good job limiting his opportunities at the rim. Ben Johnson finished with 12 points in his second start. Sean Blake finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists but missed some easy ones in big spots. Ben Michaels finished with 2 points and 6 rebounds. The bench did not play many minutes in this one and they did not have the same impact hey have had in the last few games.
A tough start to a tough week as the Cats prepare for UMass Lowell on Thursday night.
