An interesting note is that this is the first time that the Thunder seniors will get to play at Devos (haven't played @ Hope since 2009).
For some reason, the MIAA/CCIW classic was at Calvin this year instead of the usual rotation of Hope.

Despite the letdown that the Thunder could not host, Devos is the best atmosphere in DIII (not even close or a debate) and will be rowdy for the Saturday game as long as Wheaton can get past Rose-Hulman. If you're going to play on the road, its best to play somewhere that is loud/packed than a neutral site game or a team with little crowd support.

Has the CCIW ever considered having the semifinal matchup on Wednesday of tournament week and having the 2nd seed host the first round matchup? I think that makes much more sense because it rewards the two seed significantly over the three seed. Right now, there is no difference between finishing 2nd/3rd in the conference. Also, the 2nd/3rd matchup has no fan attendance. For example, the NCC/Wheaton game was at IWU and was attended by 20 fans. If that game was in Naperville, it's going to be a raucous crowd and a game that truly feels like a tournament game.

Quote from: AndOne on February 23, 2014, 04:40:49 PM
* Senior Vince Kmiec scored 13 points, and added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. While I won't detail them all here, Vince appeared among the conference leaders in several categories this year. Among his superlatives is the fact that Vince, who finished sixth in the league in scoring this year, led the league in steals in both 2012-13, and 2013-14. In an era where all too frequently the focus is on offensive statistics, accomplishments on the defensive side are often overlooked. However, any coach will tell you its defense that really wins games.
SIMPLY PUT, GIVEN HIS STATISTICS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL, VINCE IS PROBABLY THE BEST COMBINATION OFFENSIVE-DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN THE CCIW. SURELY, HE IS #1 AMONG THE PERIMETER/WING PLAYERS IF NOT IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE.

Kmiec is a great player, but he is not the best combination off/def player in CCIW.

Not only does Tyler Peters outscore Kmiec, but is the best wing defender in the conference. If you had to bet a months salary on one player to play wing defense (especially on-ball defense), you'd put your money on Peters every time.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2014, 10:20:30 PM

Quote from: sac on January 18, 2014, 10:05:24 PM

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 18, 2014, 10:03:12 PM
Final from Bloomington:

Illinois Wesleyan 78
Wheaton 71

If Wheaton can find their way into the NCAA Tournament somehow that's going to be an awfully difficult first round match-up for a higher seeded team.  They may accumulate too many losses to get a Pool C bid though.

They already have. The Sonic Atmospheric Disturbance have six losses thus far. If they win out and lose a CCIW tourney game, they'll go into the Pool C selection process with seven losses, which is typically the kiss of death.

I think that there's a solid possibility that this will be a two-bids-only postseason for the CCIW.

Even with all of the games against regionally ranked opponents?

Quote from: AndOne on January 17, 2014, 02:11:38 PM

Quote from: mwunder on January 17, 2014, 10:12:42 AM

Quote from: bopol on January 17, 2014, 09:03:10 AM
No, not a problem.  It's just that it comes across more as a lame attempt to degrade the facilities as if you're jealous than a humorous nickname with a strong basis in reality (it's requires a little too much information on Tarble's life to understand it easily, which I didn't even know until I looked it up). 

I'm sure that isn't your intention.

If you were around before the renovated Tarble arena, you'd understand the reference.  Back in the late 80's, early 90's...Toolshed was a compliment.

Call it The Toolshed (clever nickname, I think) or whatever, the Carthage arena is one darn impressive facility. Gets my vote for best in the CCIW. CC is fortunate to have a large company provide the funding it has just as IWU has benefited from the generous backing of the Shirk family of Beer Nuts fame who provided the financial consideration behind construction of the Shirk Center. Or is that the Beer NutHouse? 

I concur completely with AndOne. Tarble is a great place for a game. Facilities are top notch.

Speaking of NCC, does anyone know where CJ Goldthree ended up at?

Wheaton 80
Hope 61

Tyler Peters with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Brayden Tuescher with 17 points.

Brayden is one of the most underrated players in the CCIW in my opinion. Plays in the shadow of Peters, but is really a dynamic player who attacks the rim with tenacity.

Wooster 77
Wheaton 73

Tough, tough loss for the thunder. Turnovers were costly for the Thunder. Wooster is a solid team that played very well.

Since IWU seems to get all the love on this board, does anyone think Wheaton can give IWU a run for their money?