An opening day win against Western New England University on Nov. 3 was a step in the right direction for men’s basketball, whose roster is dominated by first-years and transfers still ironing out their on-court chemistry. 

Graduate guard TJ Long’s consistent three-point shooting in Vermont’s exhibition games held strong against the Golden Bears. He tallied a team-high 18 points in the 75-68 win, shooting an efficient 4 of 9 from three.

“It just feels good to be back out there with my guys,” Long said postgame. 

Western New England took a 9-2 lead with a trio of three-pointers, prompting an early wake up call for Vermont during a timeout. Coach John Becker was forceful in telling the team to play harder after a lagging first quarter, he said, as Vermont fell behind 12-6.

Redshirt sophomore forward Noah Barnett delivered with four offensive rebounds to give Vermont extra chances on offense, and lifted the crowd from their seats with his first of three blocks by the quarter mark. 

“It’s great to see him get the start and play really well,” Long said.

Vermont ended the first half up 37-27.

The Golden Bears cut the lead to four in the second half, but redshirt sophomore forward David Simon revived Vermont with a rebound and thunderous dunk off his own missed free throw.

Timely baskets from Long kept Vermont in control, 10 points ahead of Western New England throughout the second half. The winning record at home persisted against Division III SUNY Plattsburgh on Wednesday, Nov. 5, ending 113-62 Vermont. 

The Catamounts visit Brown University for another out-of-conference game at 2 p.m. Sunday.