Just wanted to point out that it is not the "same exact team as last year" for LC. Christiansen started and played a lot of minutes last year. Definitely not THE reason for LC's struggles, but it isn't quite the same exact team.

In light of the article on Gailard, I am curious to hear what people think about criticism and D3 coaches. Obviously major college coaches are subject to critical analysis and reporting, while I would say that high school coaches for the most part are off limits. Where do D3 coaches fall on that spectrum?? It isn't like there is much media coverage for D3, so it rarely comes up, but just wondering what everyone thinks??

Wow...the NWC is incredibly balanced this year. Four games left, and seven teams are still fighting to make the playoffs (and #8 Fox might be playing the best ball in the league right now). Should make for an interesting last two weeks and a lot of close games!

The Pios have been so up and down this year, not just game to game but from half to half, who knows what will happen tonight. I think the game will be played at a slower pace and probably in the 60's so it will be up to the Pios defense to come up with some big stops. I think they game definitely comes down to the last few possessions, and I think LC gets the upset in a game similar to the one in Portland last year. LC 65 WW 61

Other games, I think Linfield pulls off the upset 83-82
Fox over Willamette 72-68
Pacific over Whitman 78-61

The NWC is mentioned in around the nation as a conference to watch, nice to see the NWC getting some respect. Is there any way that the NWC could get multiple teams into the NCAA tournament or maybe have games played at a west coast site? When is the last time multiple NWC teams have made the tournament?

Does anyone think that UPS or WW will drop a game at home this weekend? I would be really surprised if either lost which would put them both at 9-1 and three games up on 3rd place, pretty much would clinch the top 2 spots.

Good win for the Pios as they were able to overcome Tillery fouling out with over six minutes left (again) and a bunch of missed free throws to get the W. Not sure where you are getting Rivera did not play, according to the box score he played 37 minutes. Not the prettiest game, but it's a win and sets up a huge game for the Pios Saturday at PLU.

Quote from: NW Hope Fan on January 28, 2008, 04:06:34 PM
After watching LC/UPS Friday night and then seeing Hope/Calvin on TV Saturday, I really would love to see a Christmas Tournament with the top NWC and MIAA teams. (Playing here in the PNW of course!)

Having not seen other D3 leagues play, it would be really interesting to see some NWC teams match up against another league. I really have no idea how to compare the NWC to the rest of Division 3. Maybe the NWC and SCIAC could do a challenge (like Big10/ACC), doubt it will happen but I think it would be more interesting than the Pios playing a bunch of NAIA schools in the non-conference.

Really tough loss for the Pios, UPS first lead came in overtime as LC controlled the game for over 30 minutes. Tillery fouling out with seven minutes left was definitely the turning point. He was breaking the press with ease and shutting down Antwan Williams offense. Once he left Williams got whatever he wanted and the Pios started turning the ball over. That will be a tough one to get over.

I definitely haven't lost faith, I actually think the Pios matchup very well with UPS and have a good shot of pulling off the upset. I think anyone that has been around LC athletics for the past 4-5 years there has been little to cheer about, and after seeing the Pios go toe to toe with Portland State there was a ton of optimisim going into league. So seeing the team struggle this much has been quite frustrating, BUT I still think the Pios will find their way into the top 3 by the end of the season, and when they shoot the three well the Pios can beat anyone in any arena. Hopefully this Friday will be one of those games.

Quote from: NW Hope Fan on January 23, 2008, 02:28:23 AM
Gearing up for my first live game since leaving Holland in 2003... I was hoping the Game between LC and UPS was going to be a game between nationally ranked teams, or at least the two top teams in the league... Now just hoping for a good game.

Any tips about when to arrive or where to sit Friday night?

I wouldn't worry about arriving early for the game. As for seating, I would sit on the scorers table side as the other side is mostly students. Hopefully there will be a good turnout and the Pios can give the Loggers a game.

Definitely a frustrating weekend for Pio fans. Despite having a ton of experience, this year's team has just been extremely inconsistent. There has been so little to get excited about with LC sports, it is certainly disappointing how this season has gone so far. I am excited about seeing UPS Friday night, should be a fun game.

Have to give a lot of credit to WW as well. After losing all those seniors, to come back with another strong squad is pretty impressive.

Talking about this weekend's games, I think Friday at Fox will tell a lot about the Pios. Even though GF is 0-4 they have been close in every game, if LC plays like they did last weekend they could easily lose. If the Pios play up to their potential they should get the win, and then have four straight at Pamplin to try and get a win streak going. The GF game should tell a lot about who the real LC is this year.
Obviously the biggest games are in Tacoma (WW/PLU, WW/UPS)...the weekend should start to seperate the contenders from pretenders.

I think it is pretty obvious that LC recruited directly w/ UPS press in mind. All the Pios can handle the basketball, which helps combat the pressure. I'm sure more schools around the league have changed their focus in order to try and catch up with what UPS has done.
Also in terms of just jacking threes up, I think both teams are better when their offenses are based off penetration instead. LC definitely has the most success when the offense revolvs around Tillery then when everyone just stands outside the three point line. That was really a big difference between last year and the previous few seasons when the Pios were an 8-8 team.

Never thought I would see this day, but LC even getting 10 votes is them living off a pre-season rep. I think out of all other NWC teams besides UPS, PLU is the most deserving of consideration. A win at LC and their only conference loss was in 2OT to the #7 team in the country. I would think WW might have gotten a few votes as well. We will definitely know more about the league's pecking order after this weekend's games.