With regards to the previous post about MAC and its recruiting, I'd just like to say that there were/are several players with a 28 or below on the ACT - Its not always the academics that are a hindrance, but sometimes finances too.  MAC is a little more expensive than several other MIAC schools and doesn't carry quite the same prestige as say a Carleton, so many kids who can get in don't do so since they don't want such big loans.  Those who can afford it sometimes can't get in due to academics, so its a tough job recruiting for Coach Kietzer.  He always works hard at recruiting, but most of the players he goes after just don't pan out. 

I'll answer that one for you OAS -

If they get healthy soon, yes.

If Johnson and Liddell can't get back on the court by early January, then probably not

Stat of the week for the Scots -

Vs. UST 6-9 from 3

@ SMU 6-21 from 3

I will say that MAC usually plays pretty poorly down in Winona, but check out last years box score.  The team even shot well in that gym.

http://www.macalester.edu/athletics/mbasketball/stats05/0129-smu.htm

If the Scots continue to shoot 6-21 from 3, I'll agree with TH4L that they are not a playoff team.  They can still win shooting 30% from three, but that needs to be on 8-12 shots rather than 20-25 from 3.

I was also at the MAC-UST game yesterday and couldn't disagree with TH4L more.  MAC jumped out to an early since they simply outplayed UST, it wasn't that UST didn't want to play any defense.  MAC got the ball inside to Conboy early and then crashed the boards and attacked the basket.  They simply couldn't sustain their energy level due to fouls and a short bench (I konw the Tommies also play a short bench but that is by the coaches decision).

The game really turned with the incorrect foul call on Bosman then him picking up his fourth soon after.  On the same play, Stein went out with an injury and the Tommies took advantage, pushing their lead up to 12-15 or thereabouts.  I will give the Tommies some credit in that they milked the clock and got some open shots when the Scots went into a zone, but I don't really see how you can say the Scots are not a playoff team when they just beat Bethel and are missing two of their top players.  If the Scots can take care of SMU and STO in their next two games, going 3-1 into the break and then hopefully getting Johnson and Liddell back would be in pretty darn good position. 

I also must say that Bosman and Conboy were not outplayed by the Tommy posts.  Shimek didn't do much except took advantage of the smaller Scots when Stein and Bosman were out, and Keating threw up some pretty questionable shots too.  Roosefelt had a solid game, but he only got to the line once.  With his size and athleticism, he should be attacking the rim instead of turnaround jumpers - Conboy did a very good job on him making him take these turnaround shots, yes he made some and I give him credit for that but those types of shots aren't always going to fall.

Sorry for the long post everyone, but I don't think TH4L gives the Scots enough credit for a very solid game they played yesterday, even though shorthanded.

Also, the techinal Coach Kietzer got from the Asian Sensation was the worst call I have ever seen.  He didn't swear, he didn't make any innapropriate gestures or anything like that, he just questioned the call and got T'ed up.

Hey OAS - Which guy in that picture are we supposed to love?

Hey Mig - You going to the game tomorrow?

Looks like St. Thomas field a lineup similar to that of the Scots with 3 big guys, so the Scots will likely have a little more trouble on the inside than they did against the Royals.  The Tommies also have the advantage shooting the ball with Schnettler and Sweeney, but see the first catch phrase:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Berman

If you looked at the MAC/BET boxscore you would see a pretty dominating performance by the Scots.  3 Scots in double figures rebounding with Conboy leading the way with 25 and 15 (I predicted 22 and 12, but close).  Bethel shoots about 4-20 from 3 in the second half and had no inside presence what-so-ever.  Whenever they did enter it into the post, which was rare the player would immediately look opposite for the man to see if he had an open 3 on the wing.  Scots hold Perry and Bjorklund under 10 apiece, with Fredrickson being the high scorer with 10 (at least I think) on about 3-15 shooting.  Not much was falling last night but the Scots were much more physical than Bethel grabbing about 20-25 o-boards.  We'll see if this continues against St. Thomas.

I meant to say he was a better shooter, but either way its debateable.

I already admitted I couldn't catch the ball Splash, there was no need to rub it in.  I will also add that what Fernando lacked in finishing skills on the offense side of the court he made up for in tenancity on the defensive end. 

I dont think the style of play Mark Dixon has is conducive to him being an All-Miac performer.  He brings great energy and athleticism, but that can get him into trouble at times.  There were several games last year when he barely saw the floor due to foul trouble, and he also has a tendency to throw passes that aren't there in the cutting Concordia style of offense.  That said, if he can stay on the floor for extended periods of time and limit his turnovers, he could challenge for an All-Miac spot.  I also second Mig that he is a good shooter.  I would say that he is better than me, but thats not saying much. 

As a matter of fact Mig, that PG from Colorado was there, and the reason we only won by 10 was we were all out of shape and people like me couldn't catch the ball very well. 

I don't know why you noted supposively as an error when this board has seen much more innapropriate use of the English language recently.

The Mac alums took on the current team this weekend and came out victorious by about 10 points.  Sloppy game all around with turnovers and plenty of missed shots, which are to be expected from an out of shape alumni team and a Mac team still struggling to grasp its offensive system.  The current team was without 2 key players as well, helping the alums to victory. 

Looks like Nate Assel has drawn starting point guard duties so far as Lars Johnson has been out with mono.  Assel will be a solid player, but will likely take some lumps learning the PG position.  He made several shots but had some trouble initiating the offense which should improve in time. 

Look for Mac to continually pound the ball inside as predicted.

Stat line for Mig:
5-5 fg, 10pts, a few boards, an assist or 2, 2-3 TOs coming at the very beginning.  Although I must admit 3 or 4 of the baskets were layups coming off either cheap putbacks or assists.

The heir apparent seems to be Lars Johnson.  He played some point last year as did Brad Liddell when Jackson was out of the game for those 3-10 minutes last year. 

As I have said previously Mac is solid on the inside with Conboy, Stein, and Bosman.  Their success will hinge on their ability to handle the ball and make outside shots to keep teams from doubling on the inside. 

Will get a peek at the Mac team this weekend as the alums face the current team.  My prediction is alums by 15-25.

Mac's success will not bank on Conboy, it will bank on their ability to make outside shots freeing Conboy up from constant double teams.

Mac will miss Jackson more than they missed BVT this last year, simply based on replacements.  BVT for Conboy vs. Jackson for Lars/Assel.  Both Assel and Lars are good players, but are not true point guards and Mac will struggle bringing the ball up the court and defending a quick point guard.

I don't think moving Sowden to the 4 will affect their defensive scheme much as they like to switch a lot of screens as it is and I don't see that changing.

Forkrud will probably get more shots and score more, but Drake is the better all around player.

Hopefully St Johns will play an upbeat style of play as their games have been painful to watch in the recent past.

Mig - Just one of the names I have heard over the years and I would love to see Sweeney coming down the lane looking for a dunk.

I assume you're referring to Mig, Willy, and if that is the case, he needs to learn his role on this board and keep his thoughts to himself, although his assessment of TJones is fairly accurate.

Word out of Mac is that there will be the same 4 starters as last year with the spot taken by Jackson up for grabs.  Who that will be is undetermined.  Lars Johnson will likely start off at point.  Look for plenty of teams to try pressing Mac this year, and for Mac to continually pound it inside to Conboy, Bosman and Stein.  This strategy will work only if the team can make enough outside shots to keep the posts from being double and triple teamed.

He's a good solid body on the inside, but I don't think we will be discussing the loss of Whippler quite like the loss of TeBrake for Gac.  I remember the MIAC Championship game last year when Whippler had several opportunities to make a move and score but didn't.  He has the size and strength to be a solid player this year, but time will tell.

Just like on the court, that Splash fellow is quite the agitator.

Carleton always gets that one player to replace the player they just lost.  See Forkrud to replace Nuessle and Drake to replace Schieck.  I don't know if they found anyone to replace Beste, but Coach Kalland always does a good job of plugging up the holes due to graduation.