MBB: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[OxyBob]

Saturday's schedule, all games 7:30 p.m.:

Caltech (0-15, 0-4 SCIAC) @ Pomona (7-8, 3-1)
Whittier (7-7, 1-3) @ Claremont (12-3, 4-0)
Cal Lutheran (7-8, 1-3) @ Redlands (7-8, 3-1)
Occidental (11-4, 3-1) @ La Verne (5-10, 1-3)

Huge game @ Redlands for Cal Lutheran, which has lost three straight for the first time since 05-06, and two straight home conference games, which is never good. Prediction: Redlands

La Verne started CLU's slide, so Oxy better be ready to go. Prediction: Oxy

A victory for Whittier in the Temple of Doom is not in the forecast. Prediction: CMS

Pomona has two OT wins and a buzzer beater in conference play. Caltech has lost 291 straight SCIAC games. Prediction: Pomona

OxyBob

[stag44]

great win for the Stags on Wednesday. They showed some fight, coming from 9 back at half to win going away. The 2nd half showed how dominant they can be, imposing their will on defense and scoring at will, but the first half also exposed some flaws that Scali will be sure to patch up.

Blees is just a nightmare for opposing SCIAC coaches, especially with his improved perimeter shooting. As we approach the midway point of league, Blees will begin to see lots of different defensive looks to keep him off balance and on his heels. Pomona will sag off him and force him to be a jump shooter. Whittier will look to bring 2 at him when he drives. CLU will get physical and try to bully him around the court. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to these different looks. I think he'll embrace them and understand the right plays to make.

But, by loading up against Blees, it gets no easier with the likes of Faught, Bagby, Lacey, Toney, Anderson, Davis.. etc.

As for this weekend:

CLU @ Redlands - If the two teams were 1-3 and 3-1 respectively going into this matchup, not many would have thought CLU would be 1-3 and Redlands was 3-1. Redlands has been effective this year led by Coffey and Deitrich, while the Kingsmen are searching for an identity, even though they return their entire squad. Its very unlike Coach Rider to not have his team playing well at this point in the season. CLU will be looking for revenge after getting thumped in the Lee Fulmer Tournament by Redlands earlier in the year. Currier Gym will be ROCKING on Saturday night, and I think Redlands pulls out a close one 71-66

Whittier @ CMS - The last time Whittier came to CMS, they staged a furious rally after trailing throughout the game only to come up short against the Stags. Anyone who was in the gym that day remembers the absolutley absurd lob that Jeff Mclean threw down to kick start the rally. If you didn't here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kGovVPYQ9E
Regardless, the Stags are playing wonderful basketball right now, and are impressively playing excellent defense. On Saturday night Ducey will be ready for the game and i see the Stags winning comfortably 72-59

OXY @ ULV - Another interesting game, where its always tough for the road team to come into the SuperTent and win. ULV is kicking themselves after the last two games. They were up against Whittier and CMS at the half only to self-combust in the second half getting outscored 100-57 over the 2 second halfs. Oxy is playing well and confident, but I think La Verne surprises them in a close contest 65-59


CalTech @ P-P - Pomona is riding high after a HUGE win at the buzzer AT CLU. Should be a nice easy one at Pomona, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the assistants across 6th street in Ducey scouting for the big game on Wednesday. Pomona wins with easily 78-49

[tigersports]

Brief report from Eagle Rock

Oxy rolled, as they usually do, to an easy win over Caltech, 83-33.  However, Eslinger is getting some guys that can actually play in there.  Whereas previous incarnations of the Beavers would struggle in an intra mural league (though always putting out more effort than their counterparts), he has a freshman class of about four guys that are legit D-III players, for the most part.  These four, along with Elmquist, will make a formidable bunch next year and stand a decent chance to break the streak.

[OxyBob]

Eslinger is getting some guys that can actually play in there.  Whereas previous incarnations of the Beavers would struggle in an intra mural league (though always putting out more effort than their counterparts), he has a freshman class of about four guys that are legit D-III players, for the most part.  

Row Dow had Brian Hires, Travis Haussler and Matt Dellatorre, all legit D-III players, and didn't win a SCIAC game with them, though CIT came close several times. Doc Eslinger had Haussler, Dellatorre and Ryan Elmquist last season and didn't come close. Eslinger may have recruited some new players who can play, like Mike Edwards, and I would love to be there when Caltech finally breaks its interminable conference losing streak (as long as it's not against Oxy), but unless another SCIAC team falls way off in talent, and CIT catches them on an off night, I don't see Caltech winning a conference game any time soon.

OxyBob

[CMSfan]

Eyewitness report from Claremont:

CMS 81, Whittier 68

Box score: http://www.cmsathletics.org/sports/winter/mbkb/2009-10/stats/WC-CMSM.HTM

This game was never close.  CMS jumped out to a 9-0 lead, led by 16 at the half, and led by as much as 24 in the second half before Whittier closed the gap in garbage time.  Blees led the way with 28 on 11-16 shooting.  Toney and Faught each had 13 and Bagby added 10.

Whittier seemed frustrated by the Stags defense for most of the game, and Drew Menez never really got anything going, ending up with 6 points.

Not much else to add really.  This Wednesday against P-P is a big one for CMS.  If they can win at Pomona, they will be in a very strong position for the rest of conference play.

[OxyBob]

Eyewitness report from La Verne:

Oxy 71, La Verne 67

Very entertaining game. Oxy gets a hard-earned road win.

The game got off to a slow start. Six minutes in and it was only 5-5, and 13-13 at the 10-minute mark. Oxy's Huston Conti and ULV's Trevor Woodland were both hot in the first half with 10 points each. Sean Anderson's layup gave Oxy a 27-24 halftime lead.

In the second half, Conti's 3-ball gave the Tigers a 47-35 lead at 11:00, and with Oxy's smothering, switching man-to-man defense frustrating ULV, it looked like Oxy was in full control. But Woodland immediately hit consecutive 3-pointers and the Tigers' lead was cut in half. La Verne didn't stop there, and when Woodland hit another 3-ball at 6:30, the Leopards had the lead, 52-51. After the game was tied at 55, Woodland hit 2 straight again and ULV was up 59-55 at 3:00. Then came a huge play for Oxy, as Conti made a long 3-pointer and was fouled by Matt Heyd. Conti completed the 4-point play and the game was tied at 59 at 2:30. John Leggett's jumper gave La Verne a 62-61 lead, but Jack Hanley knocked down a couple of FTs, and Deshun McCoy hit a short jumper to put Oxy up 65-62 with 45 seconds left, and from there Oxy made their FTs and held on for the victory.

For Oxy, Huston Conti had 21, Jack Hanley scored 19, Sean Anderson had 12, and Deshun McCoy had 11 pts and 8 rebs. For La Verne, Trevor Woodland scored 23 on 9-for-16 including five 3-balls, and John Leggett had 13. ULV outrebounded Oxy 36-30, but the Tigers were nails at the FT line, hitting 20 out of 22.

Oxy is 12-4, 4-1 SCIAC, while La Verne is now 5-11, 1-4.

Wednesday, Jan. 27: Another big road game for Oxy, as the Tigers travel to Redlands (8-8, 4-1) to face the Bulldogs, who whacked Cal Lutheran 71-52. The Kingsmen (7-9, 1-4) have lost 4 straight and are home to Whittier (7-8, 1-4). La Verne is at Caltech (0-16, 0-5). SCIAC game of the week is Claremont (13-3, 5-0) at archrival Pomona (8-8, 4-1).

OxyBob

P.S. Thanks again to AR for the UW-Platteville t-shirt. Go Pioneers!

[TeeDub]

... the Bulldogs, who whacked Cal Lutheran 71-52...

Redlands defense is looking very inspired, but I'm still challenged with the lack of success by the Kingsmen.  They have some real players.  They shot a horrible percentage last night...partly attributed to the Bulldogs 'd'.  Nonetheless, CLU is "potentially" too good to be where they are standing in the conference right now...

[stag44]

Very Exciting Wednesday in the SCIAC. The top-4 teams play agains each other, while the bottom 4 teams play to crawl back into the playoff picture. We have a SERIOUS divide between the two halves with CMS at 5-0; PP, OXY, and Redlands at 4-1, while CLU, ULV, and Whittier are at 1-4 with Caltech at 0-5. This Wednesday will provide some excellent matchups!

CLU gets to host Whittier College in a MUST-Win for the Kingsmen if they want any sniff at the top-4. Last time these to met at Gilbert, it was the final game of the SCIAC season, where CLU had to win to clinch a tie for the SCIAC regular season title. Things were all in place until Marcus Gibson hit a three from the left wing as time expired to defeat CLU and move them from a Tie-1st down to 4th place after a coin-toss. CLU has to come out with passion and purpose to salvage this season. I think they're going to figure it out and win going away 77-62.

Caltech hosts ULV. ULV will pressure and overwhelm the Beavers, helping them move to 2-4 on the year in SCIAC play. Easy win for the Leopards 79-44.

In the surprise matchup of the night, 4-1 Redlands hosts 4-1 Oxy. Both programs have rebounded from sub-par years in 2009 to play inspired basketball this year. Again, Currier Gym will be a tough place to play as usual, and Oxy will succumb to the Bulldogs in a close one: 61-56.

In the game of the night BY FAR, CMS travels down 6th street to play PP with first place on the line. Both teams have risen to the top of the SCIAC this year, but by different means. CMS has played exceptionally well thus far in conference, winning all their games by atleast 8pts. PP, on the other hand, have been the cardiac kids of the SCIAC, needing overtime in 2 games, and having the other two come down to the last possesion in regulation. Outside of their Caltech game, margins have been smaller than 6pts. As usual, the gym will be an incredible sight. CMS has not won at PP since the 05-06 year when they went 13-1 to win conference outright. They have struggled maintaining composure, and more importantly defending the 3. The last 4 outings there, PP have shot the 3 at an alarmingly high and accurate rate and frustrated the Stags with their sagging man-to-man as well as packed in 2-3 zone. I expect to see more of the same from Coach Kats and the Saeghens. Look for them to drop back into a 2-3 after made baskets as well as run their flex offense and high ball screens with Liss and Sexton with Chaimowitz pitched at the 3-point line. CMS must come out with controlled passion and not let the hoopla of CMS-PP and everythign that goes on around campus before the game affect their preparation and gameplan. Stags are an emotionally driven team, and with the passion that comes along with this rivalry, they need to channel it into a TEAM-centric game. As usual, I look for Blees to have a solid game, but also expect to see some good things from Faught, Lacey and Davis.

The key for the game will boil down to the Stags Defense, more specifically, can they flatten Liss out and defend the ball screens with Sexton. Sexton has developed into a load, both from the perimeter and as a post presences. He enjoys trailing and spotting up from 3 in transition when he is guarded by a 5 that runs to the paint. Liss has made a killing off ball screens, either pulling up for a mid-range jumper, or getting to the rim. Stags will have to contain this all while staying home against Chaimowitz and other 3pt shooters.

As usual it will be a GREAT atmosphere and a close game. I see the Stags breaking their drought at Pomona and winning in a defensive battle 58-52.

[cmsme]

Will it be possible to listen to the CMS/Pomona game Wednesday night? 
On the schedule, there is usually "LIVE STATS" and 'AUDIO" in red.
But, for this game, there is nothing next to the scheduel, so does that mean there will be no audio?

Basketball question (please excuse my ignorance):  How does a coach decide which type of defense to use?  When would PP use man to man and when would they use 2-3?  And why would PP switch?
And what kind of defense do you think CMS will use?

Thank you.  I love reading all these posts.

[stag44]

Will it be possible to listen to the CMS/Pomona game Wednesday night? 
On the schedule, there is usually "LIVE STATS" and 'AUDIO" in red.
But, for this game, there is nothing next to the scheduel, so does that mean there will be no audio?

Basketball question (please excuse my ignorance):  How does a coach decide which type of defense to use?  When would PP use man to man and when would they use 2-3?  And why would PP switch?
And what kind of defense do you think CMS will use?

Thank you.  I love reading all these posts.

The game will be @ P-P, so there will not be audio, video or live stats. The Saeghens are still lacking the technology  .

For defensive coaching: There are alot of moving parts that go into a defensive choice. First and foremost is your own personel. Do you have athletic bigs? Do you have athletic wings? How strong and tough are your guards and post? How quickly can your bigs rotate to help? Depending on the construct of your team, there are different defenses that will work best. For teams that are similar 1-5, a switching man-to-man that is agressive and trappy would work best (similar to West Virginia this year). For teams with tough guards and bigs, a physical man-to-man would work best. For teams that are long, not necessarily as phsyical, a zone type D would work best. Note that zones require much more time in practice to perfect as there are nuances and principles that are far different than the man principles.. the MOST important part to any zone is communication, followed by urgency. People often assume that its easier to play zone than man becuase you just stay in one area, but if you want to play a GOOD zone you have to me almost more active than in a man.

The next facet that you will look at is who your opponent is. For teams that shoot the lights out, you'll want to work in a man more times than not. The zone will allow for too many holes and allow shooters to get lost behind the defense or in a blind spot of the zone. The only type of zone that may prevent this is a match-up 1-2-2 or 3-2 zone. For teams that are more inside and penetration oriented, you'll want to play zone. Zones will often times make teams passive and just swing the ball around the horn. The key to defeating any zone lies in getting the ball to the free throw line or short corner as thats where you will get the zone to mutate and expose its holes. By getting the ball to the free throw line, you cause confusion on who will match up there as well as probably cauing all 5 guys to turn their heads to the ball. This will allow for the guards to flatten out and corners to slash to the basket. The short corner can also cause confusion because there is a choice on who should cover it becasue if the middle man in the 2-3 covers him, then the high post will slide to the rim for a layup.

The final thing with zone and man is simply using one to enhance the other and throw the other team off its rhythm. When a team is used to a type of defense they can get into a flow and with streaky shooting teams this can get dangerous, so its important to shift back and forth so teams are unsure of what to expect each time.

I think PP will go into 2-3s after makes because it is much easier to drop back into a zone after a made basket. You can get to your spots and not worry about transition matchups. They've been known to do this to the Stags the last 4 years so they don't have to guard the motion and screening game that the Stags use so effectively. Also, they do it to save the legs of their guys. Running around screens for 25 seconds really wears down teams, and so Kats may do it for that reason as well. Also, they don't think the Stags can shoot the ball that well, and will live with Stags shooting 3s and jumpshots.

I don't know what type of D the Stags will run. Scali usually has his hard nosed man-to-man, and given the match-ups I think they will play man.

Toney vs Liss - I think the game will be decided in this matchup. Liss makes PP go and does alot of the playmaking for them. Reminds me alot of how Deron Williams plays. He is a scoring point guard who will play alot of pick and pop/roll with Sexton, as well as run thier stuff precisely. When he plays well they are tough to stop. Agains WashU earlier this year, he singlehandedly kept them in the game the first 12 minutes, scoring at will of ball screens on a wide array of 3s, pull ups and drives. Toney is an incredible defender when he sets his mind to it, but also has to keep his emotions in check and not get frustrated. Given the magnitude of this game, there are bound to be plenty of mistakes made on emotion and adreneline and the team who can composed themselves and forget about them will prevail. Toney will have to lead the team defensively by controlling Liss off ball screens, so others wont have to jump to help leaving open 3s. Offensively he will have to quickly recognized the defense Pomona is in and get the Stags into their stuff accordingly. Pomona will not let him beat them off the drive, so it will be key for Toney to make plays off the bounce rather than trying to score. There will be help coming to him everytime he beats Liss of the dribble, so the second pass out of this double will hurt Pomona.
I also really like Shane Davis and what he's brought to the table this year. He could be the dark horse of this game, when all is said and done (Similar to David Brown in the 07-08 year, being a nobody and then torching the Stags in the SCIAC finals for 18)


Bagby/Faught vs Chaimowitz - Probably 3 of the top 5 pure shooters in the SCIAC right here. The tandem of Bagby and Faught has been lethal this year, and there has yet to be a game where they are both hitting on all cylinders. When this happens... watch out. Chamowitz is a known Stag killer and lives for the big games (minus the SCIAC championship last year). If left open, hes as automatic as they come in the SCIAC and it will be important that the Stags located him early in transition and dont provide help off him in the half court. He is slow off the bounce and struggles to create his own shot, so he does rely on Liss and Sexton to get him the ball off penetration or double teams. The Stags have to take advantedge of Chamowitz's slow feet on defense and challenged him to contain penetration and move his feet around. He does not play much D, and can be exploited.


Blees vs Sexton - This will be an AWESOME matchup. I highly doubt they will be guarding each other, but you have the 2 BEST players in the SCIAC this year. Both are averaging over 17 and 8 and simply causing havoc for opposing defenses. Justin is a 6'9 forward who could always shoot, but now is embracing his role as a Big and becoming more physical in the paint. Blees has built off his POY campaign from last year and shown that he is the toughest cover in the SCIAC, if not the West Coast. If Blees can limit his turnovers and quickly recognize the types of defenses Kats will throw at him, the Stags will be very tough to beat. Knowing Kats, he'll make Blees beat them with the pass not scoring. I have a feeling they will send two at Blees once he puts it on the deck and force him to pass. Given his size and speed, Blees will also have see who is guarding him. If he gets Kael or Colin on him, then going to the block will give him and advantedge, while if Justin or Shawn get switched onto him, beating them off the bounce will be there for the taking. Sexton will have to carry the load in the paint for the Saeghens and provide them will an inside presence. Even if Blees or Anderson is matched up on him, there will be an advantedge on the block.


Lacey/Blue vs Stephan/Okpalugo- I think this is where the Stags HAVE to go to win. Lacey has stared to impose himself on the Conference this year. He is a load on the block, and once he starts going into contact on EVERY move, he'll be impossible to guard. The Stags have to establish Lacey early, build foul count, and impose their physicality and will on the Saeghens in the paint. The more physical and rugged the game, the more I like the Stags. Lacey also has to stay out of foul trouble on the other end. Blue is a serviceable backup big, but he's still a freshman, and itll be his first CMS-PP game. Stephan and Okpalugo are solid 5s that wont make mistakes and will take what the Defense gives them. They'll pick up the scraps and dumpoffs and knock down the open jumpshots. This is a MAJOR area that the Stags should exploit.

Anderson vs Kristof/Reinstedt - This is the biggest wildcard of the night. It pitts the defensive stoppers of each team. I see Anderson locking horns with Sexton and Kael/Colin taking on Faught or Blees depending on matchups. PP wants to be physical with Blees on the drive, but will also allow him to shoot at will from the outside. So, they'll probably give Blees a look of a guard sometimes, and then bring Sexton over to guard as well. Im sure theyll keep him on his toes. Kael and Colin are both, average shooters but somehow find a way to put in a few big 3s againts the Stags at home. I'll expect the same from them in 2 nights as well. Kael is a physical guard who wants to do his damage on the block especially if someone like Faught or Davis is guarding him. They look for him down there as well to set up the plate for Chaimowitz and Liss to spot for 3. Anderson could be the most improved player in the conference. He's broken out of his shell and exploded as a defensive stopper and energizer. The kid is probably the most athletic guy in the SCIAC. He is an All-SCIAC hurdler and was an all-state track athlete in HS. He will be all over the floor on Wednesday trapping and wreaking havoc. I could see the Stags pulling out a few tricks with him as well.

As always in any of these CMS-PP games, there will be some unsung hero who comes through unexpectedly. Who it is often times will decide the game. Again, the most vital part to it all will be who keeps their composure and executes the game plan. Both Scali and Kats have coached this over 25 times and know each other inside out, and will be prepared, but it comes down which players grasp the gameplan and execute it for 40 minutes, regardless of the fans, cheers, and emotions involved in this HUGE early season SCIAC game.

[CMSfan]

Nice post, stag44.  Gives me goosebumps just thinking about the game!

I'll be interested to see what the crowd is like.  CMC is hosting a major speaker on Wednesday, so a lot of fans won't be able to get down to the game until 8:00 or so.

[cmsme]

Wow. 

I hate not being able to listen to the game, buy your analysis almost makes up for no AUDIO.
Very exciting, and easy to understand.
thank you.

I am keeping my fingers crossed--go Stags.

[OxyBob]

Strength of Schedule numbers are out, and they are embarrassing for the SCIAC:

201 Pomona .502
144 La Verne .497
170 Whittier .492
264 Claremont .481
317 Redlands .462
336 Caltech .448
345 Cal Lutheran .448
392 Occidental .428

410 D-III teams are ranked.

The Division III tournament selection committee determines strength of schedule using opponents' winning percentage and opponents' opponents' winning percentage. A team's SOS is two-thirds opponents' winning percentage (OWP) and one-third opponents' opponents' winning percentage (OOWP).

Bottom line: Who have you played, and who have you beaten? In the SCIAC's case, no one in particular.

OxyBob

[West Coast Bias]

Say it ain't so Oxy Bob!!!!!

Those sandbagging Panthers from Chapman actually have a higher SOS than the mighty Tigers of Oxy?

Fortunately this travesty won't go on for long as Chapman's SOS will undoubtedly decline with their upcoming games against La Sierra and Santa Cruz...

[OxyBob]

Those sandbagging Panthers from Chapman actually have a higher SOS than the mighty Tigers of Oxy?

The SOS numbers don't lie. As I wrote on the Bumblin' B's board, the SCIAC's been a complete dud this season. The only signature win by a SCIAC team is Pomona's win over Whitworth on a neutral court, but then again Pomona also lost to UC Santa Cruz. As for Oxy, its OWP is .399. That is not good.

As for Chapman, it's ranked No. 352 with an SOS of .455. I doubt if they'll be coming in here to brag about it.

OxyBob