A tough one to sit through.  They were outplayed in every phase of the game.  On top of that, I was watching the guys on my phone blow a 15 point lead. But now I can focus on gardening,  fishing and making notes on next year's recruits. If I  can separate myself from the emotion long enough,  a very exciting and satisfying season.

To their credit, Trine was able to neutralize Huber, but Knutson was able to step up and deliver. She seems to thrive on a bruising battle in the paint.

I see what you're saying. If a team's racking up 130 a game, someone's scoring those points and stuffing the stat sheet.

Yeah. I can't see why a top tier would even want to play in "the system." Sure, there is technically a starting 5 at the beginning of the game, but the best player gets no more playing time than the bottom 10th player (assuming I understand the rotation correctly). It's truly selfless play. If you're an elite player, you're sacrificing your stats and potential personal achievements for the good of the entire team. I'm not saying it's impossible, just hard for me to visualize. Good on you if you can embrace that mindset.

Very exciting. I think this is the first time the Titans have ever played Centre.

Quote from: markerickson on February 26, 2025, 04:30:20 PMEven the NCC fan next to me questioned why Helwig, NCC's leading scorer for the game, was allowed to take the last shot.

Overall, this North Park team exceeded expectations.  Thank you, Vikings.

"A dagger to the heart of the rose," a great man once said.

I'll truly miss the "fab freshmen." Hard to believe they're seniors now.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2025, 02:42:56 PMWe'll see how it all goes with all the challenges relatively selective liberal arts institutions on this smaller scale now face.  I'm not terribly optimistic.  So many headwinds, some bad decisions, poorer academic quality and offerings, cutbacks and program reductions, and many financial, enrollment, and fundraising challenges.

IWU has been able to keep its enrollment numbers relatively stable, but a slight trend downward. Everyone knows the demographics by now. I supposed the philosophy for tuition-based schools is to hold out while weaker schools close and then fight over their bones (students). The assumption being, those students are interested in a small, private school experience.

I work down the road at Illinois State, and politics plays a much greater role. Eastern Illinois, Western and Governers State would've been gone long ago without state support. Local representatives are adamant that they receive enough funding for survival due to their economic impact in their local area. Any proposal to close a couple of them to bolster enrollment and the remaining universities doesn't gain traction. Illinois State's enrollment is quite strong. Not sure the exact reason, but an easy Amtrack ride from the Chicago area sure as heck doesn't hurt. ISU admin doesn't sit on its hands. They're playing the China card and have started an Engineering school. U of I turns down tons of Chinese students from its Engineering program, and ISU intends on scooping them up.

Quote from: iwu70 on February 06, 2025, 02:42:56 PMEckley was there 18 years, arriving on a CAT helicopter when I was Student Senate President -- we all turned out on the Quad to welcome "Big Bob."  I just attended his spouse's funeral a few days ago.  President Eckley died 3-4 years ago.  Nell Eckley was a unique character in her own right and did much good for the campus, for the University.  She passed at 99.

Robert Eckley. He was President when I attended. A very nice person. His wife, Nell? I don't speak ill of the departed.

Sorry I'm so far off topic.

iwu 70. Q has posted 7 recruits so far, but I have eight on my list (but Q being Q, maybe he's heard of one dropping out already). For bigs, there's Madison Sears from Libertyville, 6'3" avg 6-9 points a game, but has a high of 20 points this year. Not exactly a speedy player for the R and J, but then again, Olivia Lett wasn't a speed demon either.

To echo iwu70, Mahlum had a noticeable limp. Sure hope she's better by tournament time. On the recruitment front, Mia has eight commitments so far, one being Ashley Muhlum. That's gotta be Laura's sister.

Titans pull it out. Keys to the game, Anderson dominating the paint, Bolt draining 2 treys at pivotal moments, free throws.

The start if triple overtime.
Having sat through the women's game too, my butt is wearing out.

Not good for my high blood pressure. ETBU beat Wartburg. Should be a great game.

Carroll seems to have our number last couple of years. Like when Wheaton seemed to have us ( Titans) figured out. Can't see winning all three games against them this year.

I think the Titans have poise. All that senior experience. They don't get rattled if they fall behind.