WPI, I watched the entire 2nd half of the game. Both teams play very strong man to man defensive. It was impressive to see how every shot (and some shots were way off) was contested. WPI had a 5 point lead with about  6 minutes left an then Flannery took over. I don't know how tall he is; but he plays much bigger. He has a strong upper body and was able to get really easy looks. I am not sure if he is a consistent outside shooter; but I was very surprised that WPI didn't play off of him a little bit. Flannery seems like he likes the physical play, and was able to use his body to shield the ball while work his way to within 6 feet of the basket. Additionally, no other Babson player was close to making a perimeter shot;  so  this truly was a one man offensive effort the final 5 minutes.

WPI seem liked a really young team the final 5 minutes. There was no movement without the ball; guys were dribbling and passing the ball behind the 3 point line and then forcing up a shot with less than 8 seconds on the clock. Three times in the final 7 minutes, they turn the ball over during a fast break opportunity. Just very sloppy. They did have a chance to tie the game with under a minute left but missed a free throw. It was a tough game; the effort was intense.

WPI, I am rooting for your guys to pull it off. I enjoy watching them play; they are sound defensively and I enjoy a team that prides themselves in defense and rebounding. Big game coming up; I will keep my eye on it.

Rankings coming up this week; I think the winner of the Babson/WPI game will be ranked #1 in the region this week.

Great discussions here. Most Albertus fans are very excited about this team for many reasons; mostly because it is a veteran group of guys who have now played two years together. The new addition, Sledge, provides real leadership on the court. He has been able to control the tempo and emotion of the team over the last few weeks. Albertus plays in a very weak conference and didn't have significant out of conference wins. SOS really hurts. However, I think this team is more talented than last year group and more experienced. I don't know if this means that they will go further in the tournament, however, they could surprise a lot of people.

I don't really care about the top 25; however, most voters haven't seen all 300 plus teams play. Therefore, it is mostly a vote of numbers. So, Albertus being ranked number 7 is highly impressive considering their SOS is really weak and they don't have any wins vs a top 35 team and only one against a top 50 team. This tells me that most voters think Albertus is a very talented team. Why else would they be top 10 with such poor "numbers"?

Most Albertus supporters know where the team struggles. I want to see them clean that stuff up before the conference tournaments begin.

Go Falcons! Dunk Haven!!!!

Less than 2 weeks away from the first regional rankings and I really don't how the top 10 will look. I know there is one more week of games (2-3 games per team) before the committee meets. However, let's start the conversation. I don't know what order, but I think that the best five teams in the region (at least most consistent) have been: Babson, Albertus, WPI, MIT, and Eastern. The next five teams I think Trinty and Bates will be in top 10. Then after that, I don't know.. Do we see teams like Hussion or Nichols, Do we see Keene State or RIC? Does Springfield make the rankings? Will Amherst? I just don't know.

Any thoughts?

WPI, sorry I haven't been around. I do read the post. This thread seems too quiet. I know hugenerd made an appearance earlier in the year. Looks like 3 really good teams in the NEWMAC. You have seen them all play. Right now, who do you think is playing the best basketball? Who has the better overall team in your opinion?

D3, you know what is interesting about the streak. The game against Medgar Evers that Albertus lost; Coach Oliver wasn't coaching. So, the last game that Mitch Oliver lost at home (including post season play) was on January 25, 2011. So, for him, you can add another 8 games to the streak.

nescac1; with a foul to give. You always use it. It allows you as a coach to re-set your defense and protect the 3 point arc. Sounds like a great game; the conference is wide open this year. It should make for a very fun February.

They have good wins so far in conference (even in a down year). Well see what happens. Can't wait for these two weeks; some great games in the region. Should make things very interesting come February.

It is all about how you are playing near the end of the year. Anna Maria seems to be playing their best basketball! Let's not forget, Anna Maria was in back to back GNAC championship games. They are never very deep, but they do a good job with the talent they have. I will be watching the JWU/Anna Maria game very closely.

On a side note, I should have been a NFL official.

Anna Maria is up 15 at St. joe's at the half.

57-31 Albertus over Riv at the half

+1 for the breakdown. I will try to catch their next game.

Just watched the video of the Albertus game; does anyone know why Sledge went into locker room with about 4 minutes left? Didn't seem like a big injury, but I didn't notice him come back onto the court or on the bench.

Saint, you know your basketball. So, may I ask, what is the offensive philosophy of Emmanuel? At the beginning of the year, you mentioned the fast that there were some new players (mostly big guys). Do or have they tried to run the offense through the big guys, in the post? Emmanuel played well for a few games and you mention that the guards were really playing well. Is the offense a flex offense; were the guards are moving the ball and themselves to get in position for easy looks at the basket? What are they running up there? And in your opinion, what should they be running?

7, Happy New Year.

My only response is, it doesn't matter who you play, if you just keep winning!

Hey guys, love reading the posts and opinions. Sorry I haven't been on much, work is kicking my rear.

I think that division 3 coaches have a tough job; they don't offer scholarships, they work with smaller budgets, they usually have part time jobs or part time assistants. It is tough. I applaud all the coaches in division 3 for their hard work in making Division 3 basketball so enjoyable.

I think not having a clear cut top 10 is a good problem. I think this makes for a very fun conference season and a better post season tournament. It would be unfair for me to try to rank teams right now (because I have only seen one play). But, I trust the other posters. I know Albertus is very talented this year (even better than last year's team). But, they have flaws. They play unorganized and undisciplined at times. They are a horrible free throw shooting team. They can get out rebounded at times as well. Over the next 6 weeks, if these things don't improved than I don't know if Albertus can content for an elite 8 spot. Albertus does have 9 seniors, 7 who play. Sometimes having a senior led group can force the team to work on those little areas. Being composed, running the offense, crashing the balls, working on free throws, etc.

I look forward to a great second semester, and lots of debate.

Happy 2015 everyone!