Union lost in the first round of ecac's tonight at home 86-83
End of the road for:
Cagianello
Scordato
Bonner
Rayhill
Murphy

Dato- 28 pts, 11 assists, 6 rebound, 4 steals
Cag- 24pts... finished with 2006 for his career

I caught the postgame broadcast... I guess during the game they wanted to stop it to honor Cagianello for 2000, he tried to wave them off and keep on with the game (I think Union was in the midst of a run at this point)   Anyway, he said they could do whatever they wanted postgame, but it was time to play.

I got the impression from the broadcasters that they took a quick photo or two, but a tough way to end a season getting upset at home like that.

Goodluck to you Hamilton guys.

1549 Carrie St... go pass Mohawk and it's on your left

umm, to add a bball note, just so we don't bore the rest of you guys suffering through this

If TK and Schneider switched spots, what would happen?

Of course it's still open, but I would have to say the food at Rupsis far surpasses the food at gepettos'

I have a very good friend who graduated from hamilton last year who has confirmed much of what you have said

Just spoke with 3 of Union's elder statesmen (3 seniors)

1. Welchons  2. TK   3.  Jones

1. Welchons  2.  TK  3. Jones  4. Peck/Valenti

1.  Welchons  2. TK  3. Jones  4. Valenti

I will ask them... but I know for a fact it would be unanimous... Welchons... dropped 38 in last year's Liberty League final, 30 in this one... but I'll find out

I don't know Tobin's coaching style as well as some of you guys who have seen them play many times, but it's easy to sub when you're up 20-30 pts... in a close game it is much harder for a coach to make subbing moves.

Also, just asked one of the guys if they stayed... he said no, and said he didn't even know there was one.  (they came in second before, so I dont know how to take this response)... I don't know why they didn't stay, seems unusual.

Some of the guys on the team are some of the more competitive people I have ever met, and they were just in disbelief after the game of what happened.  Wasn't even an upset tone from some of the guys or for that matter even Montana... more like, on somedays there is nothing you can do. 

Alright, not being at the game makes it a little more difficult for me to respond.  With the quality of the broadcast, I was not informed if Union was mixing up their defenses or not. 

Before I address the weakness of the zone two things:
1) Montana has used this zone effectively enough to take his teams to 2 of the past 5 NCAA's
2) Not many teams would shoot 19-31 in an empty gym by themselves

Union's primary zone defense is a rotating box around the "5" or center.
It has its holes, and quick perimeter ball movement, mixed in with a few skip passes, can easily get you aan open 3 pointer
Also, I dont know if Hamilton was doing this but a pass to the high post, and a kick out, also creates wide open three's

Montana coached teams are usually not known for their defense or rebounding.  What makes them successful is their ability to shoot and smart players that don't turn it over.

We saw on Saturday that went Murphy went down, Mackey couldn't handle the ball.  The two backup point guards (one freshman and one sophomore) did not develop enough to earn Montana's trust and so he was forced to use Mackey.

And to you guys defending Murphy, you couldnt be more right.  his stats, turnover/assist ratio and total assist speak for themselves, but he also hit about 3 or 4 buzzer beaters in his career, including the Liberty League semis last year to defeat Hobart.  He goes unnoticed for the most part, but when he's not there is when you truly notice him.

I'll admit maybe I put too much emphasis on that one Saturday game where they played each other.

Cagianello never got it going yesterday, after opening the game with a 3.

Scordato carried Union, much like he did in last year's championship against Hamilton where he scored 34.

I talked to the guys last night, they are fired up.  It's going to be an amazing atmosphere, wish I could be there.

Instead I'm stuck listening to the broadcast online.

Mr. Scordato loves the conference tournament!

Hamilton, now we're waiting on you guys, take care of your part.

First, I wouldn't be admitting to the "better player" I would be admitting to the player with the better season... the "better player" and "better career" is not in question.

If you think that Union's office revolves around Cagianello, then you have either not seen Union play enough, or don't understand what they are doing out there.

Union's office is constant motion, with each player having an equal opportunity to each spot in their offense.  This is why it is so hard to scout and so hard to defend.  Cagianello gets his points because he is a great player and a great shooter.

I agree with the argument that the two Union players must have split votes, and to say Ive been pulling for Cagianello since day one is 100% accurate.

All I know about PLayer of the Year's, is I want to see where they are at when the stakes are the highest.  We saw where Cagianello was at on Saturday, and we've seen where he is at in the past in both Conf. playoff games and NCAA games.

Where was Schneider?

Conference Awards just came out
POY- Schneider

1st Team:
Schneider
Cagianello
Scordato
Welchons
Jones

2nd Team:
Avitable
Feane
Grazioli
Ngobeni
Vonnak
White

rookie:  Vonnak
Coach: Downs

Now time to vent....
Cagianello got robbed... head to head last game of the year, for all each team knew, they had to win to get in.  Schneider did nothing, maybe 13 and 7... Cagianello 28.
Cagianello 11 20 pt games, Schneider 7.... 30 pt games Cag- 7.... Schneider 2
Cag shot better from the field even at 50%
He was #7 in steals

i would even argue Scordato was better.
#6 in scoring, #4 in rebounding, #4 in assists
Most 3 pt field goals,  3rd in assist to turn over ratio

This is a travesty

You guys are getting way ahaead of yourselves... haven't we learned not to count out the Dutchmen???

Yes, that was my prediction... this season just seems so eerily similar to last.

I talked to a recent Hamilton alum today and asked him the difference between last year's team and this year's.

He said "this team cares" and "this team does not care who scores, everyone just wants to win"

If this is accurate, then Hamilton could be in for a special year, because the talent is certainly there.

The one thing about Union though, that there is really nothing you can do about is if they get it going.  When Cagianello and Scordato are hitting, it doesn't matter what you do or who you throw at them... they are more talented and better basketball players then what you have.

This is really a nearly identical situation to last season... Union won both games on the final weekend to make the playoffs.  Last season they had to play #1 seed Hobart in their building, and then Hamilton in the finals.

This year as the #3 seed, face SLU, then likely Hamilton.

Union has too much firepower for SLU... they are playing great basketball right now, and Cagianello and Scordato can really get it going at anytime.  They have the senior rock solid point guard in Murphy who doesn't really get the credit he deserves.  Put it this way, he was voted Team MVP last season, with all the same players as this one, plus Bruce.

Hamilton obviously has a tremendous advanatge being the best team and playing at home, but as we know this doesn't always get you to the Dance.  I dont see Union's seniors getting rattled by the crowd either, it would be a great game that I just might have to make the trip from Boston too.