Greek Tragedy: Yes, its not good when the WIAC gets three in and two get bounced first round. I remember in 2008-2009 when 3 teams got in and all of them were ranked #4, #5, #6, and they had to play #1 St. Thomas, #2 WashU, and #3 Wheaton Ill. all in the second round. They called it "Death to the WIAC" because all WIAC teams took the "L." All were super close games though. They have done an okay job of spreading out the teams since then I think. I also think homecourt advantage in the NCAA tournament is very key. Stevens Point 2010 and Whitewater 2012 both hosted all the way to the final 4 and ended up winning the whole thing.

I like when people talk about hoisting 29 shots is a lot. In a normal basketball game it is. At Grinnell, 29 shots can be taken in an 8 minute span. I have heard some good things about that Harris kid though from UW-W even though he struggled against UW-Stout. The reason being I think is that scouting reports in the WIAC are so much more detailed. WIAC teams are really good at trying to take away as many strengths as a good offensive player has. Hence the reason why I think so many WIAC games are in the 50s and 60s. In the non conference, I feel like teams don't prepare as well as the in conference WIAC games.

Last night I went to the Carroll vs. Lawrence game. Lawrence shot 16-20 from 3 ball.....and lost....

Oh and I forgot to mention UW-Whitewater's national title in hoops last year too. My bad. Another deep run by a WIAC school in March I hope is due up again in 2013.

PioneerFan, personally, I think even if they aren't getting a new facility for basketball, they should get one soon. With all the new renovations to a lot of the WIAC gyms, UWRF seems a little bit behind. Nonetheless, it is still a very tough place to play, and when its full with Red and White, its even harder to play there.

Any opinion to how many NCAA tournament teams the WIAC can produce this year? I know its only December and only one conference game has been played, but every year, I feel like the WIAC has 4-5 teams that are good enough to play with a lot of teams throughout the country, but unfortunately, they all end up beating each other throughout the year in a lot of close contests. I love it when the WIAC can produce 3 teams because then it really shows how competitive our conference really is. A great example, even though two teams got into the tournament in 2010, would be Stevens Point going 12-4 in conference, taking 2nd, and running to the national championship.

Seems like quite a few WIAC teams are getting votes in the poll. A lot of big games this week before teams head into a few more Non-conference match-ups and their Christimas trips. Should be a good end to 2012.

First off, I agree with Nick Krull getting first team all conference. The kid is what every team needs. He scores when the opportunity comes and he rebounds, screens, and guards the opposition's best offensive threat every game. At 6'7, he is a tough match up for a lot of teams at the division III level. Jon Flanigan of UW-Oshkosh got snubbed, but it's hard to argue with any of the 10 on the first team. He also has another year to prove himself worthy of WIAC first team. Also, I feel that Eric Wall got the snub as well. He dominated several games this year in conference play, but then again it's hard to argue with any of the 10 on the first team.

As always, the Midwest region is stacked in the NCAA tournament. Kind of reminds us of the 2009 NCAA tournament when the committee thought it would be nice to put #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the same 8 team regional, three of which were WIAC teams. I really think the tournament committee has no love for the WIAC.

UW-Stevens Point and UW-River Falls both drew very tough first round opponents, and if they both win, they play very stiff competition in the second round as well. Illinois Wesleyan is a very good program, and at 19-8, they could be reminiscent of the Wheaton team who squeaked into the 2008 NCAA tournament at 19-7 and went all the way to the Elite 8. Let's hope River Falls doesn't let that happen. Everyone has talked about how River Falls hasn't been the same team as of late, which I agree, but NCAA tournament appearances mean 0-0. They have a full week to prepare for Illinois Wesleyan and also have a chance to put in new plays, defenses, etc. I think UWRF will be fine in this instance and will be ready to play. When Voeltz, Manor, and Koonkaew are clicking with Anderson knocking down shots, UWRF has a shot to go deep.

UW-Stevens Point vs. St. Norbert's will be a good game, but for how long? Point has run people out of Quandt, out of the city of Point and out of the state. They beat two WIAC opponents by 50 or more points. We all know that basketball games start at 0-0. St. Norbert's is a good team and I see Coach Grzesk preparing them well for the Point game. Who knows what could happen? NCAA tournament time is the best. Even after losing arguably their most athletic player (Dan Tillema), Point hasn't missed a beat. I see them making another National Title Run, but a tough regional awaits them.