Vermont used a strong defensive effort to secure another 20 win season for the program. It continues to impress that the coaching staff has been able to take different groups of players with different skillsets and still find ways to win at a consistent level year in and year out. This year may have taken a bit more of a circuitous route than in years past, but the player development and team cohesion still shines through. Great win to honor the seniors and secure the two seed for the America East playoffs. The key to this game was the incredible double teams that forced Albany big man Okechukwu Okeke into SEVEN turnovers. The defense was connected all night and forced Albany into really tough shots in the second half. This game also has the distinction of the most banked in shots I have ever seen. Offensively the Cats really attacked the rim in the second half and got to the free throw line, which wore down the Great Danes.
Gus Yalden led the way with 19 points and stayed red hot from three with a 4/6 effort from distance. Watching him play this year has been pure joy and he has brought an energy to Patrick that is unlike anything I have seen from a player in the past. The crowd really responds to him and he just looks like he is having so much fun. Airplane celebration was top notch today. TJ Long finished with 13 points and 8 rebounds. His rebounding continues to be huge and I thought he made a great adjustment in the second half to drive the ball instead of setting for threes. Noah Barnett chipped in 9 points and 5 rebounds and is starting to benefit from the extra defensive attention given to everyone else. TJ Hurley had 9 points and 5 rebounds as well and continues to impress in a big way on the defensive end. He is a brick wall. Sean Blake had a really rough stretch in the second half but finished with 9 points and 5 assists. Ben Johnson added 5 points on his senior day. Momo Nkugwa stepped in for Blake and was really good. He played tough defense and handled point guard duties with ease. He plays with a poise beyond his years.
Its the most wonderful time of the year. Saturday can't come soon enough.
