As a former 'Cat, the past few years have been torture... never able to get over the hump.  If they went 7-2 in NESCAC, losing to Trinity and Amherst in close games, I may be optimistic.  Reality is, this is a weaker team than they've brought to the tourney in some time.  I don't see how they avoid the early 2nd half burst that Amherst is known for.  Tufts may be in Amherst's head, but Bates sure isn't.  I agree, Bates down by 5-8 after the 1st half.  If they are even with 10 minutes left they lose a close one.  If they are down 15 at that mark (which I think they will be), they lose by 22.  Heart can make up 5 points, it can't make up 22...

I'm not feeling any Bobcat love...  Reality is their schedule has never set up better.  This needs to be the year.  Hopefully they don't look past Trinity.  That may just happen.  If it does, you may be right.  They might just get swept.  If they beat Trinity, they ride the wave past Amherst.  That place is going to be crazy.

Watched the game on Jumbocast.  Bates looked like they were in quicksand early in the second half in their motion offense.  Some credit goes to the Tufts defense, but not much.  Late in the first half Bates had a couple of "drive and dish" for open jumpers.  Got away from that in the second half.  They appeared to get frazzled rather easily, landing them down nine for the first time.  Baskets down low were super-easy for Tufts.  Maybe this will be a wake-up call.  I like them to beat Trinity and lose by 15 to Amherst.  Maybe Tufts can upset Amherst.  3-way tie for first b/t Trinity, Amherst, and Bates.  We'll see !

Does Trinity and/or Amherst have video feed on the web?

Should be a great one in Meffa.  Tufts has played an impressive schedule.  Respectable losses to Wittenberg and Williams and some solid wins out of conference.  I don't think they are shaking in their boots with Bates coming in.  Should be fun wire to wire.

First post this year... transplant Batesie in Midwest.  I have followed my team, the conference, and the region religiously since November.  I think the individual components of the conference have done a nice job scheduling competitive out of conference/region games.  Who was to know that teams like Springfield and Wheaton(MA) would be down a little this year... It was great seeing Bates play Trinity (TX) a legitimate national team.  It would be great for NESCAC to find the Midwest.  There's a lot of good basketball out here. 

What a big 7-8 days coming up!  I think Williams has a chance to beat Trinity today.  The Jumbocast should display a hard-fought Bates win.  That may get us ten votes nationally. 

How good is Amherst?  Apparently quite good.  That drubbing last night tells me that Bates has their work cut out for them next weekend.  8-1 has a good ring to it...  Past Bates teams would end 6-3... Anything better than that I will take. 

Hopefully there will be some garnet in the crowd today.  Go Bates!

Pinna

Must stay in conference and go with Amherst.  Wish I could take my Bobcats, but not enough depth.  Maybe get to holiday tourney and Trinity (Tx) undefeated, but not much farther