Vermont basketball’s John Becker takes blame for late turnover in loss

In a flurry of lead changes in the game’s final minutes, Yale nailed the decisive basket as Vermont basketball dropped a 77-74 nonconference decision to the Ivy League favorite in front of 2,057 at Patrick Gym on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Sophomore Riley Fox’s game-high 23 points included a 3-point splash with 1 minute, 38 seconds to play, giving the Bulldogs a 73-69 advantage. Vermont (5-4), which trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half, had a chance for the tie or take the lead, but a turnover with 11.9 seconds to go put an end to the hosts’ comeback bid.

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Gus Yalden, one game after dropping a career-high 27 points, tallied 22 points on 8 of 14 shooting to go with seven rebounds in 32 minutes. TJ Hurley, who reached 1,000 career points, scored 19 points and TJ Long added 18 points. Hurley and Long each sank four 3s. Sean Blake tossed in 10 points and handed out four assists, but committed five of Vermont’s 11 turnovers.

“I feel bad … bad last play call, should’ve just thrown the ball into (Yalden) and use the other stuff that had been working the rest of the half,” Vermont coach John Becker said about his team’s late turnover. “That’s one I’ll have to take ownership of.”

After Fox, Isaac Celiscar (16 points) and Nick Townsend (13 points) also hit double figures for Yale (7-1), which has won four straight games since a home loss to Rhode Island.

Vermont basketball, Yale trade baskets, leads down stretch

TJ Hurley drives to the hoop during Vermont basketball’s 77-74 loss to Yale at Patrick Gym on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.

The Bulldogs opened a 48-38 advantage with 14:09 left in regulation. But Vermont hung around, chipping away at the deficit until Long’s 3-pointer and free throw for a four-point play leveled the contest at 59 with 5:48 remaining.

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Townsend responded with a tough layup under the basket. And Yalden followed by rattling in a corner 3-pointer for Vermont’s first lead, 62-61, since the 2-minute mark of the first half.

Yalden’s triple…

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Publish date : 2025-11-30 22:47:00

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