MBB: Liberty League

[met_fan]

I'm not exactly sure how they were able to work in both league schedules - there were fewer LL teams at that time, so that helped.  Also, prior to 2001, the NESCAC did not even declare a league champion - they were somewhat famous (or infamous) for listing the league standings alphabetically, so those teams got into the NCAA tournament solely on their record or accomplishments during the regular season.  Hamilton could still get in by winning the LL (or UCAA), though I don't recall exactly when that league tournament started.   Many of Hamilton's best teams came in the 80's and early 90's when, as a NESCAC member, they were prohibited from participating in the NCAA tournament.  That rule didn't end until around '93.

[woot returns]

those rankings are interesting considering hamilton has beaten two of the three teams in the top three. Hamilton plays to the level of their opponents. They can beat any of teh teams in the east but they can also lose to any team in the east. They have had some pretty ugly losses. Ove rteh years though, Hamilton plays extroadinary beter at home and are vulnerable when they play crappy teams on the road.

As for amherst, theyve been dumptrucking people. Literally, they have not had a team come within like 10 points of beating them like all season. If they dont win the diii championship, this year would be a bust.

[Hoaf]

I feel like Hamilton should be in the top five once they get through the regular season. They just haven't played enough regional games to crack the top 5. Hopefully, SLU and Hamilton will make it to the NCAA tourney this year and we can see two LL teams in the dance.

[b4the3isme]

Hoaf I'd love to see 2 LL teams in the dance also but I think for that to happen Hamilton or anyone else  has to beat SLU in the championship game,  I just can't see a pool bid to a LL team with 6 or more losses.  That being said though if 2 teams do get into the dance I could see as many as 5 LL teams in the post season.  Vassar should have a shot at the ECAC downstate,  RPI, Union and potentially even struggling Clarkson and Hobart have chances if they win out.  Clarkson in particular has some real good early non-conference wins and Hobart beat a former ranked team (Alvernia I think) so who knows.  If memory serves me U of R declines to participate in the ECAC if they don't go to the dance so that would open up a space also. The SUNYAC has a bunch of mediocre teams after Brockport and Plattsburg.  E-8 teams for consideration will probably be SJF,Ithaca,&RIT if any of these don't win the tournament.  Utica has a good shot to get in with a pool bid even if they don't win the E8 tourney barring a total collapse.  I am really looking forward to this weekend as things get sorted out.  I'll probably take a ride up north to watch Hamilton vs Clarkson.  There is certainly no love loss between those teams so it should be a good game with talent (Hamilton) prevailing over emotion and desperation (Clarkson).  The Slu Hamilton game on Fri. should be a barnburner too!!!

[Hoaf]

There is certainly no love loss between those teams (Clarkson/Hamilton) so it should be a good game with talent (Hamilton) prevailing over emotion and desperation (Clarkson).  The Slu Hamilton game on Fri. should be a barnburner too!!!

Indeed!!

[shooters]

I agree that Hamilton should be top five in the region, they have played how many games without Jones and/or TK, two of the best players in the LL. Also as someone else said Hamilton has beat two of top 3 teams, I just don't understand how everyone is so excited about SLU, I've seen them play and they don't excite me. Hamilton will go up there and get a hard fought victory tomorrow but I would be concerned if/when that happens to watch out for Clarkson the following night. With so much emotion going into the SLU game I could see a coasting mentality if Hamilton wins on Friday. I also think for Hamilton to get into the tourney they have to win the conference tournament, no way they get an at large bid. I say SLU has one more loss before LL tourney and if they don't win the conference tourney then they won't get in either.  Let the games begin!

[bucketsallday]

great night of basketball tonight - Vassar at union and st lawrence at hamilton. gonna find out alot about who the top teams are. vassar really needs a win tonight and a sweep this weekend to get back on track - three tough losses in a row, all at home. in the first meeting, vassar couldnt defend unions shooters - 12 threes. hopefully they turn it around tonight. when unions hot they can beat anybody. i think vassar pulls this one out tonight tho, on the back of a huge game by avitable.

is nick jones back yet? if not, i think st lawrence wins tonight - they have three bodies to run at tk, two of whom are just as athletic, and their guard play is infinitely better than hamiltons. with nick jones, its all gonna depend on which hamilton shows up.

[Hoaf]

From what I hear Nick Jones should be back for the games this weekend. I wouldn't be surprised if Hamilton drops one or both of their games this weekend. Remember one of their last road trips when they beat Union by 20 and lost to Skidmore in OT. After that I haven't come to expect wins when they go on the road.

Vassar could pop out a couple of wins this weekend versus Union and Skidmore but It wouldn't catch me off guard if Union beats them tonight.

Let's see who wins this weekend and then we can discuss who could host the LL tourney.

[shooters]

I expect Hamilton to prevail in both games  this weekend. The have full staff and should be ready to go. I say they beat Clarkson by 20 pts. and take care of SLU by 10. I agree w/ Hoaf though in some aspect and that is anything can happen w/ Hamilton. Is the game on the internet.

[Hoaf]

I just checked on the Hamilton and SLU site. Hamilton's webcasting the Men's Hockey game and I couldn't find anything on the SLU site.

[Hoaf]

Hamilton 76, St. Lawrence 68.

Both teams shot over 50% from the floor.

Hamilton beats #1 in the Region.

TK had 24 pts and 12 rebounds.
Giorgi and Dave Alston had 12 pts.

Richard Williams had 14 pts and 11 rebounds for SLU.

[shooters]

well I was two points off of my prediction! Good win by Hamilton now lets get revenge on Clarkson this afternoon. From the numbers it looks like Giorgi played well.

[Hoaf]

Union lost a close one to Vassar. I don't think Vassar's going to be doing much damage in the conference or tourney this year. Is anyone still on the bandwagon?

I think that Union's a better team than many original thought, the coaching by Montana has been stellar and he gets the most out of his players.

My picks for the conference tournament are Union, Vassar, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence. I think if Hamilton can beat Clarkson today they'll be hosting the tourney.

[bucketsallday]

hoaf - i think vassar can do some damage in the LL tourney. the two games between vassar and st lawrence have both been instant classics - both in ot, a couple of buzzer beaters. i seem them ending up as the 2 and 3 seeds (hamilton 1, union 4), and i think that whoever wins that game will give hamilton a run for their money in the final, although if hamilton doesnt make the ncaa's it would be an upset.

vassar definently has the horses to make a run. with brazell finally waking up and playing the way he should be (15ppg in conference play) that gives vassar two legitamite scoring threats from anywhere on the floor. dutton is notorious for being unable to make adjustments in the second time throught he conference tho, so as always coaching is the largest obstacle for vassar making any noise this year.

vassar rpi game on tuesday will be huge. assuming vassar knocks off skidmore, a win by vassar over rpi locks the top four teams into the conference tourney, barring a collapse by union.

[woot returns]

hamilton 71   Clarkson 60

High scorer: nick jones with 21