FINAL SCORE: Vermont 70, NJIT 64
BURLINGTON, Vt. – Gus Yalden recorded a team-high 21 points on Saturday night as Vermont (18-11, 10-4 AE) defeated NJIT (15-14, 10-4 AE) 70-64 from the Wellness and Events Center.
 
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Box Score
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Gus Yalden executed a euro step for a layup. Vermont's defense was strong early, leading 4-3 at the 16-minute media timeout.
• NJIT went on a 10-0 run before TJ Hurley made a corner three. NJIT led 15-7 with 12 minutes left.
• Momo Nkugwa hit a corner three as the shot clock expired, helping Vermont narrow the deficit to 20-14 at the 8-minute media timeout.
• Yalden scored twice in the paint, but Vermont remained behind by six. NJIT led 26-20 with four minutes left.
• TJ Hurley made a three-pointer from the top of the arc, sending Vermont into halftime tied at 30. Yalden led the team with 13 points at the break.
• The Catamounts opened the second half with a 7-0 run, including a Sean Blake three-pointer. NJIT responded, tying the game at 41 at the 16-minute media timeout.
• TJ Long converted an and-one layup, giving Vermont a 49-48 lead with 12 minutes remaining.
• Noah Barnett completed an and-one, and Momo Nkugwa added a basket in the paint, extending the Catamounts' lead to 56-52 with seven minutes left.
• Both teams traded baskets, with the Catamounts holding a 62-61 lead with three minutes remaining.
• Gus Yalden delivered a backdoor pass to Momo Nkugwa for a paint finish, then added an and-one basket to secure the win over NJIT.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Gus Yalden led the team with 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting and contributed three rebounds.
• Sean Blake (15) and TJ Hurley (13) were the only other Catamounts to reach double figures.
• Sean Blake recorded a team-high in three categories. Blake recorded seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
• The Catamounts shot 51.9 % compared to the Highlanders' 39.6 %
• Vermont outrebounded NJIT 35 to 30.
• The Catamounts scored 44 points in the paint, while NJIT had 26.
• Head Coach John Becker recorded his 200th America East Conference win.
• Vermont has now locked in a top four spot in the America East Playoffs.

• With today's Win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to The Ronald McDonald House through the Cat's Win, Community Win's initiative. Vermont Mutual has donated over $6 Million Dollars since launching their Charitable Giving Fund in 2014.

 
 
UP NEXT
The Catamounts will head home for a battle against UMass Lowell on Thursday (Feb. 26) from Patrick Gym. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Thursday's game is the Rally Against Cancer Game presented by Mascoma Bank. Fans can receive a free Rally Against Cancer rally towel and lavender beanie, courtesy of Mascoma Bank. Additionally, for every fan in attendance, Mascoma will donate $1 back to UVM Cancer Center. The radio broadcast will available via the Varsity Network App with Brian McLaughlin on the call.
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Vermont Federal Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of 2025-26 Vermont Men's Basketball Season