Yale's Basketball Battle - Home vs. Vermont
Last Time Out
The Bulldogs recently wrapped up their road stint with an 84-78 loss at Rhode Island on Dec. 2. John Poulakidas led the way with an impressive 25 points, showing his scoring prowess. Nick Townsend also contributed with 14 points, along with five rebounds and five assists. Casey Simmons finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, while adding two steals. Yale had 17 second chance points compared to URI's nine and 15 points off turnovers compared to the Rams' five.These performances give an insight into the team's strengths and areas that need improvement as they prepare for the upcoming match against Vermont.
Bulldog Notes
John Poulakidas has been in outstanding form this season, registering double-digit points in all nine games. He has even scored 20+ points in six of those contests. His 25-point performance against Rhode Island was a significant milestone, as it was the first time a Yale player had scored 25 points since the NCAA Tournament on March 22, 2024.In addition to Poulakidas, who is averaging 21.1 points per game, Nick Townsend (13.1) and Bez Mbeng (12.0) are also averaging double figures. Poulakidas, Townsend, and Samson Aletan have started and played in all nine games this season, while Mbeng has started all eight of his appearances. Poulakidas is tied for 14th in NCAA Division I in total points scored (190) and tied for 16th in points per game (21.1). He is also ninth in the country in total three-pointers made (32). Poulakidas ranks 19th in NCAA Division I in free throw percentage (94.12%). Bez Mbeng is tied for 31st in the country in assists per game (5.8).
Season Notes
Head Coach James Jones achieved a significant milestone by picking up his 400th career win in the Yale's 91-66 showing over Fairfield on Nov. 23. Jones is in his 26th season with Yale. John Poulakidas also registered his 1,000th career point against Delaware on Nov. 24.Seniors John Poulakidas and Bez Mbeng were named to the 2024-25 Lou Henson Early Season Watch List. This award is presented annually to the top player in mid-major college basketball. Poulakidas and Mbeng are two of six Ivy League players on the list, joining Princeton's Xavian Lee and Caden Pierce, Brown's Kino Lilly, Jr., and Columbia's Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa.
A Look at History Against Vermont
The two teams have a long history of playing against each other. They have faced each other in every season between 2007-08 and 2019-20, with the Catamounts leading the all-time series 19-15. Last season, Yale traveled to Burlington and fell to Vermont, 66-65 after a late-game push. However, the last time they played in New Haven, the Bulldogs trailed 30-27 at halftime but then outscored UVM 46-14 in the second half to win 73-44.This historical rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming game, as both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand.
Scouting the Catamounts
Vermont enters Saturday's matchup with a 5-5 record. In their last game, they fell to Brown, 60-53, at home on Dec. 3. The Catamounts shot 37.9% from the field and 23.8% from three-point range. Sean Blake led the team in scoring with 13 points on 6-12 shooting. TJ Hurley (13.6) and TJ Long (12.4) are both averaging in double digits. For the players with 30+ field goal attempts, Ileri Ayo-Faleye leads the way with a team-high 50% shooting and also leads the team in three-point shooting percentage with a 46.2% shooting percentage.The Catamounts present a tough challenge for the Yale Bulldogs, and the upcoming game will be a test of both teams' abilities.
Up Next
The Bulldogs have two more games remaining in the 2024 calendar year. They will travel to El Paso, Texas for the Sun Bowl Invitational from Dec. 20-21. Yale faces Akron and then will face the winner of Jackson State and UTEP on Saturday the 21st.This upcoming stretch will be crucial for the Bulldogs as they look to build on their performance and continue their season on a positive note.