MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK
Vermont (15-5, 5-0 AE) visits Bryant (13-7, 5-0 AE) in a battle of the league's two unbeaten teams on Saturday (Jan. 27) in Smithfield, R.I. The opening tip is set for 4 p.m. ET at Chace Athletic Center. Tickets are available at BryantBulldogs.com.
 
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's game will broadcast live on ESPN+. An international stream will also be available on AmericaEast.TV. Fans can listen to the game for free on the Vermont Sports Network, from Learfield on The Game, which will air on 97.1 FM in Burlington, 105.9 FM in Plattsburgh, and 960 AM around the rest of the region. The radio broadcast is also available via the Varsity Network App with Brian McLaughlin on the call.
 
RELATED LINKS
Watch: ESPN+ | AE.TV (Int'l)
Listen on Varsity Network App
Live Stats
Game Notes: Vermont | Bryant
 
BATTLE OF UNBEATENS
UVM and Bryant meet with a chance to claim sole ownership of first place in the America East standings. The Catamounts beat UMass Lowell 80-65 in a battle of unbeaten teams on Thursday night.
 
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Bryant carries a five-game winning streak into Saturday's conference matchup. The Bulldogs beat NJIT 70-55 on the road Thursday night with Connor Withers (13 points) leading a group of five Bulldogs in double figures. Preseason All-Conference selection Sherif Gross-Bullock leads America East play in scoring, averaging 23.4 points per game through the first five contests. He is second in league play in three-point percentage (42.9%). Bryant's other Preseason All-Conference selection Earl Timberlake is averaging 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists this season.
 
INSIDE THE SERIES
Vermont owns a 3-1 record in the all-time series with Bryant. The series was renewed after a nine-year hiatus when Bryant joined America East at the start of 2022-23. UVM won both meetings a season ago earning a 74-64 victory in Burlington, and 70-66 victory in Smithfield. Matt Veretto recorded 20 points to lead Vermont in the road win.
 
CONFERENCE WINNING STREAK
Vermont owns the nation's longest conference winning streak, earning 20 straight victories in America East. UVM's last AE loss came on Jan. 11, 2023 at UMass Lowell.
 
BATTLE TESTED
Five of UVM's last seven games have been decided by single digits, with the Catamounts going 6-1 during that stretch. Vermont's lone loss came on a buzzer beater at Miami (OH) prior to Christmas. UVM is 6-3 when trailing at the half this season – Vermont was a combined 5-20 when trailing at the half over the previous four seasons.
 
ILERI'S CAREER NIGHT
Ileri Ayo-Faleye posted his first career double-double at UMass Lowell, with career-highs in points (15), rebounds (10). He also added a career-high five blocks on the defensive end. He has averaged 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in Vermont's six-game win streak. Four of his five games in double figures this season have come during the winning streak.
 
BALANCED ATTACK
Vermont has had eight different Catamounts lead the squad in scoring this season, which is the third-highest total in the country. TJ Long has led the Cats in scoring in seven games this season, with UVM owning a 7-0 record in those contests. Vermont has had a different leading scorer in each of its five America East victories.

McGee Automotive Family is the presenting sponsor of Vermont men's basketball