Frank,

Thanks for the analysis of where all teams in the SCAC stand.  I always enjoy your recaps.  We got home so late last night from the Trinity/Sewanee game that I couldn't gather up the energy to post to the board.  With a little under 9 minutes to play and a 19 point lead, Trinity went into a slump and Sewanee played very hard to make the game a close contest.  Without James Lake's game of his career (31 points), the outcome would have been different.   

We're looking forward to Memphis.  I hope we get to meet you while we're there.  Good luck to all teams in the SCAC. 

I thought the Trinity defense did make a big difference in the Millsaps game.  Trinity is one of the best 3 point defending teams in the conference (Millsaps shot .182 from 3 point land).  Trinity also has the league leading shot blocker in Andy Bates (2 blocks against Millsaps on top of 4 at Oglethorpe).  Trinity also has a bunch of good 3 point shooters this year in Ross Burt, Mitch Walker, Brandon York, James Lake, and Andy Bates.  In the Millsaps game they combined for 9-20 (.450). 

I must say that Rodney Rogan is a very impressive player.  Trinity had a difficult time guarding him in the paint and if this game was typical, he's got a lot of range on his shot.  I also want to compliment Tyler Warren's game.  He does so many positive things on the floor that don't make it to the stats. 

On a different subject, does anyone know why Southwestern lost by such a big margin to Oglethorpe?   

Frank,

I'm with you.  Let's support these true student-athletes for the rest of the regular season games and then have a big turnout in Memphis.  These young men deserve all of our support.  I plan to make as many games in Memphis as possible.  This has been a great year for SCAC basketball.  Who knows, maybe our conference qualifier(s) will  surprise some teams in the NCAA tournament this year.  Go SCAC!!!

I would be interested in mattgrub's comments on the Oglethorpe win over Maryville. 

There are too many conference games left to play for anyone to lock up the top seed next weekend. 

Final:

Trinity 75
Sewanee 72



No details yet

Does anybody know if there is a live webcast of the Sewanee vs Trinity game tonight.  If not, any updates or game stats would be appreciated.  Thanks.

FOTG

Herb,  ditto to the congrats to Andy Bates.  It truly was an amazing performance.  I have a feeling that we'll see some more great games out of him this season. 

Titan Q

Your assessment of Chris Daniels with Texas A&M Corpus Christi is right on target.  He's not just a seven footer, he has a lot of talent.  Don't be surprised if you see him at the next level if he develops to his full potential. 

Trinity had no answer to his 7' inside presence.  Ross Burt's injured thumb proved to be a handicap for the team.  Hopefully he will heal during finals and the holidays.   Jay Riola (13 pts, 3 rbds) and James Lakes (13 pts) stepped up and made big contributions.  Andy Bates continued his break out season with 21 pts.  Not a "W", but certainly a respectable showing last night. 

It is beginning to look like a 10 team race in the SCAC this season.  If Trinity can get Ross Burt and Brandon York back to 100% by January, they look like a very strong contender.  It's too bad they won't be at full speed against Texas A&M Corpus Christi Tuesday night.  However, if Andy Bates can come close to a repeat performance and the rest of the team steps up again like they did in the Southwestern game, Trinity should keep it interesting. 

Trinity's style of play is very different this year.  They have a lot more speed and push more in transition.  The ball movement in the half court is much better.   
Transfer Brandon York is a big contributor with good speed and shooting ability.  Casey Hill has stepped up his game and is looking strong this season.  Last year's reserves James Lake, Jay Riola, and Mitch Walker also look very good this season.  I like what I'm seeing from Mike Gilb.  He's quicker this year and is rebounding well. 

Herb,

Trinity vs Southwestern game predition:  it will be a great game as usual.  The rivalry between these two teams is fun to watch.  If Ross Burt plays and is close to 100%, I give Trinity a good chance to win at home.  If he doen't play, Andy Bates will need to shoot the basketball more that his usual 12 shots per game.  It doesn't sound like Brandon York will play and that will hurt Trinity in the off guard spot.  Brandon can really shoot the ball.  

Herb,

I watched the first half of the Otterbein/Southwestern game.  Otterbein was getting open shots from 3 point range but they just were not going in the basket.  My conclusion is that they shot well above average against Trinity and way below against Southwestern.  All that said, Trinity needs to tighten up their perimeter defense.  Knowing Coach Cunningham, that should happen. 

Herb,

In the Trinity vs Otterbein game, Trinity's perimeter defence was not tight enough.  On top of that, Otterbein, after shooting 54% from 3 pt range in the first half, came back in the second half and shot 71% on 3's.  For the game they went 12-20 on 3's.  The next night against Southwestern, they cooled down considerably shooting 6% (1-17) on 3's. 

Ross burt has a sprained right thumb.  He didn't play against Cal Tech but hopes to play in the Southwestern game this Thursday.  Also on the injured list is Brandon York, who rolled his ankle in the Cal Tech game.  My guess is that he will not play Thursday. 

dballa,

HPU really turned up the heat on defense in the second half and for the most part the refs let them play.  It took a pretty hard foul to get a whistle.  HPU also shot 57% in the second half going 46% on 3's.  They have some very good shooters.  As for Trinity, they have a lot of talent and even more heart.  They look like a team with a mission.