Vermont Catamounts Dominate Siena, Notching Third Straight Victory!
Wednesday night at Patrick Gymnasium was a showcase of Vermont Men's Basketball, as they trounced Siena with a final score of 83-69. This decisive win not only marked their third consecutive victory but also handed Siena, a team with a strong 9-3 record, only their third loss of the season. The Catamounts' home-court advantage proved formidable, improving their record to 4-1 on their own turf.
But here's where it gets interesting: Gus Yalden, a standout player, achieved a career-high 29 points!
Key Moments and Highlights:
- Early on, Vermont established dominance. By the first media timeout, they held a 9-8 lead, with Yalden leading the charge, scoring seven points.
- Following the timeout, Noah Barnett and TJ Hurley added to the score, extending Vermont's lead to 14-8.
- A 10-0 scoring run, capped by a layup from Blake, pushed Vermont further ahead, forcing Siena to take a timeout.
- The crowd erupted as Blake connected with David Simon for an alley-oop, pushing the lead into double digits (18-8).
- Yalden and TJ Long's contributions, including a three-pointer from Long, kept Vermont in control, leading 30-17 before the media timeout.
- Yalden's impressive performance continued with a deep three-pointer, widening the gap to 35-20.
- Vermont closed the first half with a 41-27 lead, with Yalden's 19 points leading the way.
- The second half saw Vermont's offense in full swing, with an 11-4 run, including a Hurley three-pointer and a slam dunk from Barnett, extending their lead to 52-31.
- Siena attempted a comeback, but Vermont maintained a significant lead, 59-41, with 11:31 left in the game.
- Siena managed a 10-3 run, but Yalden's points helped Vermont maintain their advantage, 62-51.
- Mari's powerful slam dunk further solidified Vermont's lead, 67-51.
- Despite Siena's efforts, Vermont secured the win with an 83-69 final score.
Inside the Box Score:
- Yalden's career-high 29 points were the game's highest, with impressive shooting stats (10-15 from the field, 3-6 from long range, and 6-8 from the free-throw line), along with 6 rebounds, a steal, and a block.
- Blake achieved a career-high 8 rebounds, contributing 14 points and 3 assists.
- Hurley scored 13 points.
- Long, Mari, Johnson, and Blake each recorded a team-high 3 assists.
- Barnett tied his career high with 3 blocks.
- Vermont's field goal percentage was superior (52.6%, 30-57) compared to Siena's (38.8%, 26-67).
- Vermont outrebounded Siena 36-35.
- Vermont dominated in the paint, scoring 42 points to Siena's 28.
- As part of the "Cat's Win, Community Win" initiative, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to the Lund Family Center.
Up Next:
Following this victory, the Catamounts will conclude their three-game homestand, preparing to host Iona on Saturday, December 20th, at Patrick Gymnasium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with tip-off at 2 p.m.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
- Do you think Yalden's performance was the key to victory, or did other players' contributions also play a crucial role?
- What strategies do you think Vermont used to limit Siena's scoring opportunities?
- Do you think the team can maintain this level of performance in future games?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
