CMU continues to believe in itself and the winning tradition started 5 years ago continues to grow within the team.  There seems to be a smart tenacity to the play being exhibited on the floor and the unselfishness of the ball helps them win without having a "Go To!" guy as they've had the past few years.  It's amazing to see the transition offense flow from a good defense.  I don't understand why most teams don't employ such tactics to develop their offense style.  Good for the boys in plaid.  Go Tartans

NYU wins over Brandies 79 - 75.  Not able to put Judges away and at one point late in the 2nd half was down by 2.  Had 9 pt. lead with 1 minute left then it got down to 2 pts before hack a Violet happened trying to win at the foul line.  They withstand the tight play and go off to play a cupcake game against Hunter College this week.

Barlow-Wilcox played one handed and shot 7-13. Clayton had several uncharacteristic turnovers due to his hand but it was understandable.  He eventually fouled out against an aggressive Boone.  Boone went to the line for 17 charity shots scoring 10 the rest - 16 came in the paint.  Clayton is a player and gave Boone all he could handle that afternoon. 

I don't see NYU getting into the top 25 even with a win over Rochester.  They are one dimensional using the post to run their offense.  Don't get me wrong, not a bad strategy with the right player.

Boone is the real deal but he should be playing D1.  I noticed that he's lazy and doesn't really run the floor.  A guy his size should be able to dominate smaller teams which I'm sure he has until yesterday. 

NYU is 1-4 vs. CMU the last three years as they've had the answer for this game strategy.  Boone fouled out for the first time this season yesterday.  He gets lots of calls that should go the other way with offensive charges.  If he can develop a mid-range jumer then watch out.  Overall his stats are better than last year.

Again, NYU will not see top 25.

I can see CMU making a jump in the Top 15 but NYU has yet to recieve a vote and I don't think one win over Rochester will get them many unless UR donates them over to a fellow UAA member. Not happening.

CMU has gotten better over the last three years as there record will attest.  This year is the result of hard work that has gone into the program.  The team is deeper than they've ever been so when players foul out there is a better than average replacement ready to play.  That has not always been the case.  Having good talent also makes  for harder practices as players are competing all the time which keeps everyone sharp for game time. 

There has been a myriad of players stepping up and making it happen both on the scoreboard and others who contribute but don't have the stats show there contribution.  This season is truly a team effort by all. 

"All for One - One for All"
Go Tartans

In reviewing Bluffton's info they've outshot their opponrnt +100 times from the free throw line.  They must have great penetrating guards or have a great ref program in the Heartland conference?

CMU guards never went to the FT line.  Are we not driving the ball or did we not get any calls? 

Looks like Bluffton had the hometown refs show up.  The disparity in fouls and foul shots in the second half is appalling.  26 - 5.  Overall they've gotten to the freethrow line +100 times more than their opponent this season alone.  Either they go in looking to draw fouls or they've got a great ref program in the Heartland conference?

CMU is getting their fair share of accolades but the true test is ahead of them as winning conference is what its all about to move to the next level. 

After a game against Bluffton they travel to the northeast to begin an arduous road games against a much improved Brandies and an always combative NYU team.  Next weekend will set the tone for the Tartans season to see if they can weather the challenges.

Consistent play and continuous improvement by the team will keep the Tartans at the head of UAA.

I attended the CMU Princeton game and found it to be the tale of two teams.  Princeton has a great deal of turmoil internally and lack of depth on the team and CMU out coached Princeton for the win.  The Tartans did not bring their "A" game, yet despite the turnovers they withstood the pressure from the Tigers to win. 

Over the last 3 years the Tartans have taken the challenge to improve over the previous year.  Even with key seniors graduating the program has relied on its fundamental style of pressure defense and aggressive offense to show up competitvely.  Last year they fell one game short of their objective to play in the NCAA.  They are on a mission again this year.

The addition of CMU to the top 25 may surprise many but as the season continues more will jump on the bandwagon of support.  They are poised to play Princeton and learn alot about themselves.  If they hold true to form they will build from that encounter.

They then have a few out of conference games mixed in along with a challenging trip to the northeast.  A much better Brandies team than has been fielded in the past awaits them in Boston and a solid NYU team will also set the challenge for the new year to begin.  If they can take these games with solid wins and stay healthy they should be able to make a strong case for themselves moving up the Top 25 list and position themselves to win their conference. 

There is a lot of basketball left to be played.

Rochester gets a lot of pats on the back, (no pun intended) but is in the process of reloading.  The Tartans may have wins over teams that have presently losing records but they've handled them decisively.  Having attended several of the games I see were they have a killer instinct to put teams away and not let up as they have in the past.  They deserve recognition and votes to the elite bracket of top 25. 

The Tartans are hitting the hardwood with more determination than they showed last year.  Yesterday's win against UR was not a fluke and the season will surpass last years accomplishments.  The team has added depth with a strong frosh class that is pushing the upperclassmen to play at a high level.  The experience gained last year has motivated this program to play on all cylinders for 2 halves. 

Also, the new CMU AD comes to the school with a strong competitve winning conviction that is migrating through the coaching staffs.

Go Tartans!