DP, with 3 kids under the age of 8, getting to games is a little tougher these days. The webcasts for the most part are a nice way to still catch some MIAC B-Ball action though. I have also started taking my oldest to a few games which makes it easier for the wife leaving for a 3 hr chunk. 
Gusties...holy crap?!?!?? That's a tough one heading off into the long dreaded Christmas break. I remember as a player it being the worst time of the season every year. You finally get into the MIAC season and start getting on a regular M-W-S game schedule to then have it come to a halting stop. On top of having a few weeks without a game, your practices turn back into conditioning practices. I think it makes a lot of sense for coaches to schedule a few of their non conference games during this break to keep their teams mentally in "game mode" (which I know some do).
I was able to catch the BU/SJU game. I was very impressed with Schmidt and Risinger. Even though Risinger only had like 12 and 9 for the game, he had a couple monster dunks with one tip in dunk coming in a huge moment late down the stretch. He made a lot of key plays that really helped SJU either keep the momentum, or swing it over their way. He also played 44 mins
and really impacted the game in many ways that didn't show up in the stat sheet. Nice size and very athletic. I actually thought SJU should have gotten him more involved in the game then they did on the offense side of the ball.
Schmitt was impressive as well. Nice stroke and very quick. His game reminded me a little of Wojta's but with a better shot outside the ark. He easily could get his shot off whenever he wanted and he was hitting. GoldandBlueBU, I agree that Wojta played the best defense on him and it would have been huge if he wasn't on a short leash. SJU is a tough team and the rematch should be fun in Arden Hills.
My biggest criticism on Bethel so far has been Tusler. He needs to play smarter and with more passion if BU wants to make a run for the title this year. He too often plays with a lackluster approach that leads to poor decision making and hurtful TO's or fouls. If he would have played up to half of his potential on Saturday, BU could have came away with a win. He needs a player or a coach to get on him a bit and pick up his effort/focus. I have seen 4 games now this year and he has had spurts in all of them where he looks mentally out of it and makes some huge mistakes. Hopefully he can get this figured out and start playing more like he did last year.
I also think the decision to not start Wojta at the beginning of OT was a huge mistake by Novak. BU came out and had 2 terrible shots (practically heaves at the end of the shot clock) in their first 3 possessions and just looked a little lost. The offense was night and day better when Wojta was in the game and it cost Novak by not starting him. SJU then hits 3 three's in their first 4 possessions in OT and 2.5 min into OT the game was all but over with SJU up 9. He put in Wojta 2:30 min into OT but it was too late. If he can come in 2:30 into OT, he can start and play 5 mins. That was the dagger in my mind. Hindsight is always 20/20 though. I just was mad not seeing him start OT and I was afraid it was going to cost them and it did.
I still loved their fight and they had their opportunities down the stretch in regulation to win that game. SJU is always a tough place to play, but they played well and made it a great game.
With what has transpired over the first part of the season, it seems that the MIAC is going to be a 4 team race for the top spot between STU, SJU, BU, and Carl. I don't think Olaf cracks the top 4 this year and it wouldn't surprise me at all if STU doesn't wear the crown come end of season.
Happy Holiday's to all!

Gusties...holy crap?!?!?? That's a tough one heading off into the long dreaded Christmas break. I remember as a player it being the worst time of the season every year. You finally get into the MIAC season and start getting on a regular M-W-S game schedule to then have it come to a halting stop. On top of having a few weeks without a game, your practices turn back into conditioning practices. I think it makes a lot of sense for coaches to schedule a few of their non conference games during this break to keep their teams mentally in "game mode" (which I know some do).
I was able to catch the BU/SJU game. I was very impressed with Schmidt and Risinger. Even though Risinger only had like 12 and 9 for the game, he had a couple monster dunks with one tip in dunk coming in a huge moment late down the stretch. He made a lot of key plays that really helped SJU either keep the momentum, or swing it over their way. He also played 44 mins

Schmitt was impressive as well. Nice stroke and very quick. His game reminded me a little of Wojta's but with a better shot outside the ark. He easily could get his shot off whenever he wanted and he was hitting. GoldandBlueBU, I agree that Wojta played the best defense on him and it would have been huge if he wasn't on a short leash. SJU is a tough team and the rematch should be fun in Arden Hills.
My biggest criticism on Bethel so far has been Tusler. He needs to play smarter and with more passion if BU wants to make a run for the title this year. He too often plays with a lackluster approach that leads to poor decision making and hurtful TO's or fouls. If he would have played up to half of his potential on Saturday, BU could have came away with a win. He needs a player or a coach to get on him a bit and pick up his effort/focus. I have seen 4 games now this year and he has had spurts in all of them where he looks mentally out of it and makes some huge mistakes. Hopefully he can get this figured out and start playing more like he did last year.
I also think the decision to not start Wojta at the beginning of OT was a huge mistake by Novak. BU came out and had 2 terrible shots (practically heaves at the end of the shot clock) in their first 3 possessions and just looked a little lost. The offense was night and day better when Wojta was in the game and it cost Novak by not starting him. SJU then hits 3 three's in their first 4 possessions in OT and 2.5 min into OT the game was all but over with SJU up 9. He put in Wojta 2:30 min into OT but it was too late. If he can come in 2:30 into OT, he can start and play 5 mins. That was the dagger in my mind. Hindsight is always 20/20 though. I just was mad not seeing him start OT and I was afraid it was going to cost them and it did.
I still loved their fight and they had their opportunities down the stretch in regulation to win that game. SJU is always a tough place to play, but they played well and made it a great game.
With what has transpired over the first part of the season, it seems that the MIAC is going to be a 4 team race for the top spot between STU, SJU, BU, and Carl. I don't think Olaf cracks the top 4 this year and it wouldn't surprise me at all if STU doesn't wear the crown come end of season.
Happy Holiday's to all!