Although the rebounds were fairly even, last night Utica was able to score in the paint against Ithaca, having a 28-12 advantage in that Stat.  Will Abrams was on fire, shooting 14 for 17 overall, 4 for 6 on 3s (31 pts) but a lot of Wills points were in the paint which clearly helped his shooting %.  Bobby Whyte had 18 down low off the bench.

Quote from: magicman on November 21, 2010, 02:44:48 PM

Quote from: E8Hoops04 on November 21, 2010, 07:50:46 AM

Quote from: reelentless on November 20, 2010, 10:06:41 PM
UC Pioneers had a nice win against SUNY IT Friday night. Tied at the half, UC, lead by James Paterson w/ 21 on 8-15, 5-9 and Kevin Johnson w/ 17 on 6-12,1-4, 4-5 lead all the way after the first minute of the second half and finished with a 12 point win at 75 - 63.  David Golembiowski had 29 (11-25, 4-13, 3-5) and Calvin Logins had 12 w/ 8 FT for IT.

The UC defense played well throughout, particularly in the second half, holding IT to 30/17% for the period, 33/27% overall.  Johnson and Paterson each had 4 steals and Jeff Ward had 14 rebounds for the Pioneers.

SUNY-IT was ranked number 19 nationally going into the game. Impressive victory for the Pioneers who have started 2-0 with both games on the road.

Who had SUNYIT at #19 in the nation? The only ranking that matters, D3hoops Top 25 had them getting 7 pts. in the Others Receiving Votes category in the Pre Season Poll. And that was probably based on the success they had last year. It's a good start for Utica, winning their 1st two games on the road, but it's not like they beat a top tier program with either of these victories.

Agree preseason rankings mean nothing and yes, UC will be facing tougher challenges but the IT website says DIII News had them at 19 preseason?  And they do put a legitimate All American candidate on the floor in Golembiowski. 

Forget the ranking, it was a good win and a confidence builder for the Pioneers.  We'll take it.

UC Pioneers had a nice win against SUNY IT Friday night. Tied at the half, UC, lead by James Paterson w/ 21 on 8-15, 5-9 and Kevin Johnson w/ 17 on 6-12,1-4, 4-5 lead all the way after the first minute of the second half and finished with a 12 point win at 75 - 63.  David Golembiowski had 29 (11-25, 4-13, 3-5) and Calvin Logins had 12 w/ 8 FT for IT.

The UC defense played well throughout, particularly in the second half, holding IT to 30/17% for the period, 33/27% overall.  Johnson and Paterson each had 4 steals and Jeff Ward had 14 rebounds for the Pioneers.

We seem to have lost our Utica following this year,  For a team that has gone 14-16 after 5 losses and now has 7 in a row, the Utica advocates on this board have been pretty quiet.  Perhaps that's in keeping with the teams style. 

Admittedly, the two losses in that 16 game string were against Ithaca and RIT but the team has gotten more consistent and confident.  This team does not pick up as many easy transition points as it's recent predecessors and the "Munch" factor on defense is missing.  But they generally take care of the ball,  get good looks and choose shots wisely.  The combination of fewer easy shots, just adequate defense and a patient offense makes for close games. 

To it's credit, Utica plays the last two minutes very well.  Good ball handling, a steal when they need it and they make their foul shots.  RIT or Ithaca do not want the game to be close coming down to the wire.

Perhaps overlooked, is the level of talent, 1-8 on this team - I contend the best in the league.  Herring leads the scoring but the first 8 players can each put double figures on the board, and do.  Justin Maxwell is shooting over 50% from behind the arc on 60 attempts etc.  If Doug has an off night, someone else picks up the pace.  Goodman had 25 against Alfred. 

So we're looking forward to next weekend.  If Utica steps up the D and keeps Carson and (we hope) Burton from going crazy,  they'll win both games. 

Quote from: UCgrad45 on February 28, 2008, 09:40:57 PM
I knew he was out there, but I havn't talked to him in about a year. Wasn't sure what his current situation outside of coaching is.

Collier went to the same HS as Jeff. UC went with my former teammate Parnell as lax coach over some big name coaches. Wouldn't be surprised to see it be someone who played in the program.

The team seems to have a lot of respect for Brian, but if both he and Jeff are interested and available Brian would be at a disadvantage; he'd be coaching his former teammates and hasn't had much recruiting experience.   Jeff coaching with Brian assisting has a nice ring to it?  Hopefully we'll have an answer quickly,  would like to see this team hang together.

With parity lurking at every E-8 game this year it's hard not to predict a tight, anyone can win it tournament.  That said, assuming they play reasonably well at BOTH ends, I don't see anyone hanging with Burton, Bostic, Leahy and rest of the Ithaca team.  Too much fire power.  If they show up and play decently, they'll cruise.   Big if.

Quote from: UCgrad45 on February 28, 2008, 07:25:21 PM
I know Nevada. We coached at the same college prior to him going to IC. He is a real good guy.

I am going to stop by the AD's office and recommend that they give it to Brian Collier. He knows the game, knows the system, has respect from the players, and comes from both a winning UC team and a very good HS program.

I fear that a lot of the alumni support that UC has enjoyed over the last 5 years would dwindle if someone that wasn't a Goodie product took the helm.

Tom Troy would be another good option, but he already has a career going for him. Jeff Gorski would be another one, but I am not sure what he is up to these days.

I wonder what Steve Crawford is doing? Cichon and Bryant are still playing.

Jeff Gorski is an assistant coach at Union College, good guy!  Assisted Goode for 3 years so knows the system.  Rumored to want the job? 

Quote from: fisheralum91 on February 26, 2008, 12:06:18 PM
all this banter and nobody is talking about UC's coach stepping down?

Still in shock!  Frankly, Goode is a great coach and great coaches get and pursue better opportunities.   In this case the better opportunity appears to be a little girl weighing in at about 9 lbs.   We certainly respect his decision, wish him the best, and thank him for the dedication and great program he built and ran. This year we can also thank him for developing a team that finished the season as one of the E-8s best.   Hopefully the team will hang together and another great coach will be hired to replace the one that's leaving.   

Quote from: JoseQViper on February 24, 2008, 10:03:53 PM

Quote from: UCgrad45 on February 23, 2008, 05:58:50 PMOn a side note, I doubt UC will accept an ECAC bid if offered. It is usually NCAA or bust.

Quote of the century. 

A friend of mine who lurks on these boards (and is also a UC graduate) emailed this to me with the attached comment:

"I can honestly say that no one has EVER used the phrase "NCAA or bust" when describing Utica sports."

Maybe the slogan would be better like this: Utica Athletics NCAA or Bust.

The phase isn't important; and I may have entirely wrong information, but I was told that eligibility for the ECAC requires practice to start a week later than otherwise permitted?  (the Utica womens team starts practice a week later than the men) In which case the decision not to go to the ECAC tournament was made before the season?  Is this true?

The same choice was made last year; Utica's season ended at the E-8 final.  Has you're lurking friend talked to Coach Goodemote lately?

I'll bet on Ithaca in the final and to win big over Stevens.  I've seen all but Ithaca play in the last week and even though it's a 3rd game in one season, Stevens should overpower Naz.  The way they're currently playing, Ithaca has too many shooters and too much athleticism for Stevens.

Good luck to all!  In this one, for sure, everybody's got a chance.

UCGrad, good to see you back at the desk.  Agree, Fisher looked tired at the end of the game, especially the bigs.

Utica can only worry about Alfred today, I'm just happy to see the team play the way UCGrad and I (and most people familiar with the talent) thought they could.  It's taken a while, but if Utica wins and Hartwick makes it happens, Utica can feel good about "backing in".  Three convincing wins in the last week over the teams above them in the league qualifies for a shooters chance.  If it doesn't happen, the entire team, minus Munch returns next year.

And FisherDyanasty, I'll take the hot team.  Go Giants!

Go Utica.

[/quote]
Let's be realistic, Utica still needs A LOT of help to get in the E8 Tourney.
[/quote]

Agreed, and Utica has it's own challenges with Fisher and Alfred, but I don't expect Stevens and Naz to be worried about hosting when they show up in Ithaca. 

Quote from: fisheralum91 on February 18, 2008, 09:12:51 AM

I agree- hopefully IC hosts, if for anything ele to give the "local" colleges a bit of a break on travel!

I know it's selfish, but I'm from NJ.  I'd rather see Utica play in Hoboken.

Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 17, 2008, 06:54:07 PM
If the events of this weekend don't bring UCGrad45 back to the board then we can safely assume he was buried alive in a snowdrift during a previous CNY blizzard.

.  .  .  if Utica gets in, those guys are running on afterburners right now and could fly all the way to the title...and I just threw up a little in my mouth thinking about that possibility.

I'm a little worried about UCGrad myself.  Haven't seen him at a game lately?  Great team wins for the Pioneers this weekend and a good omen for the future.  10 players (including 3 freshmen) had over 10 minutes in tonights win.  Most of the first half was played without Herring who picked up two early fouls and Utica ended the half down only 2.

And for the Munch detractors, Dennis gets the game ball tonight!  By the numbers, 10 points, six assists, five steals and five rebounds, but more importantly the timing on several of the steals and rebounds was clutch. 

It's taken most of the season, but the last two games have shown that UCGrad wasn't entirely crazy in his early assesment of the team.  For two consecutive games, it's nice to see all the new parts working together.   Unfortunately, at this point Utica can only win and hope, but if Ithaca doesn't mind the store, Caz Bombers' "distress" is well founded.

Stevens / Utica game was a great game and a tale of two halves.  Stevens controlled the first, finishing up 35 -24 at the break.  Utica came back in the second playing a very effective zone defense with Herring and McClendon leading the scoring.  The game was close or tied over the last ten minutes.   

At the end , Utica, down 1, had the ball in their hands and 30 sec on the clock.  A contested jumper by Herring didn't fall.  Ultimately though, the outcome was the result of Stevens making free throws down the stretch and Utica missing a few.

Quote from: JoseQViper on January 11, 2008, 12:53:44 PM
I love it.  +k (even though you appear to be from Cortland).

No Jose, worse than Cortland (at least lately).  UC Parent!

While I'm on, what are the chances and process for the E-8 adding another "downstate" team?  With the Stevens addition, the schedule this season is a lot less "convenient", both for the players and their fans.  Failing a league addition, can independent games be added to restore the Fri / Sat overnight possibility?   Adding a team to the league would probably effect the tournament format also?