Next Game:
at #11 Auburn
11/6/2024 | 8 p.m.
SEC+/ESPN+
Nov. 06 (Wed) / 8 p.m.
at #11 Auburn
FINAL SCORE: Vermont 67, UAB 62
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a high-stakes season opener, the Vermont Catamounts asserted their dominance on the court against UAB, starting strong with an opening basket and maintaining their lead throughout the contest. The Blazers, struggling particularly from beyond the arc, were unable to secure a three-pointer, leading to their defeat with a final score of 67-62 at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. This victory marks a promising start for Vermont, positioning them at 1-0 for the season while UAB begins their campaign at 0-1.
RELATED LINKS
Box Score
Becker Postgame Interview
Photo Gallery
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Shamir Bogues ignited the scoring for Vermont just 21 seconds into the game, expertly driving to the basket for a strong layup, immediately putting the Catamounts ahead 2-0.
- After a brief response from UAB, Bogues went on to single-handedly lift Vermont with a remarkable 7-1 scoring surge, pushing the lead to 9-3, showcasing his skills with 16:47 left in the first half.
- Sean Blake made history as he recorded his inaugural collegiate points at the charity stripe, swishing a free throw with 13:01 on the clock, extending Vermont’s lead to 12-10.
- Vermont further solidified their advantage as Blake drove aggressively to the basket again, sinking another layup and bringing the score to 14-10.
- UAB managed a quick bucket, but TJ Hurley responded decisively, dropping a three-pointer from the elbow to elevate Vermont’s lead to 17-12 with 11:27 left in the first half.
- Noah Barnett made his mark in a Vermont uniform by scoring his first points, leading a scoring run that saw the Catamounts swell their lead to 23-16 with 8:18 remaining before halftime.
- The Catamounts orchestrated a stunning 9-2 scoring run that included a layup from Bogues, a three-pointer from Hurley, and a dynamic jam from Barnett, bringing the lead to 32-18.
- TJ Long capped the first half with a corner three-pointer, sending the Catamounts into halftime with a commanding 38-24 advantage. Hurley stood out with 13 points, shooting an impressive 67% from the field.
- The second half saw the Blazers rally, narrowing the gap to just two points at 40-38; however, Hurley responded with a stunning three-pointer from distance, pushing Vermont’s lead to 43-38.
- As momentum swung, Ayo-Faleye set the tone again, finding Seth Joba for another three-pointer, extending Vermont’s lead to 46-38.
- After UAB managed to tie the game at 46-46, Ayo-Faleye ignited a personal scoring streak, scoring seven consecutive points, including two deep three-pointers and an and-one, to give Vermont a 53-46 lead just before a timeout.
- Long stepped up to stabilize Vermont after UAB leveled the score again, hitting another corner three-pointer, keeping Vermont ahead at 58-55.
- In the closing seconds, Hurley capitalized on a crowded court, sinking a mid-range shot to give Vermont a crucial 62-60 lead with only 59 seconds to play.
- The Catamounts sealed the contest with late free-throws from Fiorillo, Ayo-Faleye, and Hurley, concluding the game with a well-fought 67-62 victory over UAB during the first leg of their southern road trip.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Hurley led the scoring with a career-high 20 points, showcasing his offensive skills while shooting 6-12 from the field and 4-8 from beyond the arc. He also contributed two rebounds and two assists.
- Alongside him, Bogues added 13 points with two rebounds, while Long supported the effort with 10 points and three rebounds, all elevating their performance in a tightly contested match.
- Ayo-Faleye and Barnett were key contributors as well, each securing six rebounds and combining for a total of 17 points.
- Despite their struggles, UAB was unable to make a three-point shot, going 0-10 from deep, marking a remarkable defensive achievement for Vermont in their fourth consecutive season opener win.
- The Catamounts excelled at the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 81% with 13-16 made attempts, in contrast to UAB’s 10-15 (67%).
- Vermont effectively managed the game, committing only five turnovers compared to the Blazers’ seven.
- Additionally, with their win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group pledged to donate $100 to the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative.
UP NEXT
Vermont’s southern road trip continues as they prepare to face #11 Auburn on Wednesday, November 6. This encounter marks a significant milestone, as it will be the 35th time in program history that the Catamounts face a ranked opponent. Game time is set for 8 p.m. ET at Neville Arena, with live coverage available through ESPN+ and SEC+.
McGee Automotive Family is the presenting sponsor of Vermont men’s basketball
John Becker salary
**Interview with Vermont Catamounts Men’s Basketball Coach John Becker Post-Game Victory Over UAB**
**Interviewer:** Coach Becker, congratulations on the season-opening win against UAB! How does it feel to start the season with a victory, especially in such a tough environment?
**Coach Becker:** Thank you! It feels incredible to kick off the season with a win. UAB is a strong team, and playing at Bartow Arena is always challenging. Our guys showed resilience and determination, and I’m proud of the effort they put in.
**Interviewer:** The game had some intense moments, especially in the second half when UAB made their run. What did you emphasize to your players during that time to maintain composure?
**Coach Becker:** We focused on staying calm and executing our game plan. It’s easy to get rattled when the momentum shifts, but I reminded them that we’ve been through tough situations before. We emphasized communication on defense and sticking to our offensive sets, which helped us regain control.
**Interviewer:** TJ Hurley had an outstanding game, leading the team with 20 points. What makes him such a vital player for your squad?
**Coach Becker:** TJ is our leader on the court. His ability to create his own shots and make key plays when it matters most is invaluable. He not only scores but also uplifts his teammates. Seeing him confident in his abilities really boosts the team’s morale.
**Interviewer:** Shamir Bogues started strong, getting the first basket just seconds into the game. How important is it for your team to establish that early lead?
**Coach Becker:** Establishing an early lead sets the tone for the game. It allows our team to play with confidence and leverage our defensive strengths. Shamir’s quick start really energized us and helped us build momentum.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, your next game is against #11 Auburn. What are your thoughts as you prepare for such a formidable opponent?
**Coach Becker:** Playing Auburn will be a great challenge, one we’re excited about. They’re ranked for a reason, but it’s an opportunity for us to measure ourselves against one of the top teams in the country. We’ll focus on our strengths, learn from this game, and prepare diligently for the match-up.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Becker. Good luck in your upcoming game, and congratulations again on the win!
**Coach Becker:** Thank you! Appreciate the support. Go Catamounts!
