Happy New Year!!
Vermont opened conference play with a dominant victory over New Hampshire. In the first half, the teams were kind of feeling each other out and New Hampshire used a hot start form three to keep the game close. The Cats were clicking on offense and went into the half with an 8 point lead. The second half was all Vermont on both sides of the ball. A great way to open conference play. The league as a whole is down this year and Vermont has an opportunity to take advantage. Becker actually went zone down the stretch and it completely shut down the New Hampshire offense. Vermont dominated the paint, outscoring the Wildcats 42-22 and took excellent care of the ball, committing only 8 turnovers. With an established post game, Vermont's offense can generate open looks off of paint touches and that was on full display today. Great ball movement and extra passes, getting good looks for teammates.
The scoring was a three headed monster with TJ Hurley, Gus Yalden, and Sean Blake accounting for 55 of the Cats 80 points. Hurley led the way with 20 points on a super efficient 8-12 from the field. He has great body control around the rim and he uses it to power through defenders. Yalden pumped in 18 points (also on 8-12 shooting) and added 5 rebounds and 3 assists. He is so good at generating offense for himself or his teammates from the post. Blake was spectacular, scoring 17 points while adding 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. He is playing with such poise and making winning plays. He knocked down 3/5 from three which must have felt good becasue they were his first makes from distance since November 18th(!). Ben Michaels stepped in for an injured Noah Barnett and finished with 8 points and 3 rebounds. He is good on the offensive glass and it was awesome to see him play well. Hopefully Barnett's injury isn't serious. TJ Long scored 6 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and had some beautiful assists out of the pick and roll in the second half. Ben Johnson continues to work hard to improve his defense and made some nice hustle plays, finishing with 3 points and 3 rebounds.
Nice kickoff to the conference season and now its time for the conference home opener against Binghamton on Thursday.
