WBB: USA South Conference

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

Teams go cold when they play CNU. Looks like a lot of just plain old missed shots, since CNU's D isn't all that good.

Three games in a row CNU opponents get cold and shoot less than 30% from the field

http://cnusports.com/news/2011/1/5/WBB_0105113101.aspx

My favorite part of the article is this...."The win gives CNU it's 29th straight home win, the longest active streak in Division III and third behind only UCONN (69) and Stanford (52) at all levels."

Pretty impressive.  Exactly the reason why conference tournament shouldn't be played there.  Although if CNU wins the conference teams will still have to travel there. 

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

USASouth Game of the Week(end)

8-2 Ferrum @ 5-6 Methodist

Summary:  Ferrum has rallied around 8 straight wins after starting the season 0-2.  One loss was against D1 Radford, and the 2nd against ODAC conference leader Roanoke.  Ferrum goes with a balanced scoring attack with 4 players averaging in double figures.  They are led by All-Conference C, Kristen Keith, nearly averaging a double-double.  Impressively, Ferrum has been able to pull out a few close wins.  Notably 1/3 where they overcame a 17 pt deficit to pull away from NCW.

Methodist may be 5-6 but it truly doesn't represent their record.  5 of 6 losses are against teams with winning records.  Those 5 teams are an impressive 37-11.  It doesn't get any easier with another tough team, Ferrum coming into town this weekend. They are led by Dawn Sanderson, at C averaging nearly 11 points and 6 rebounds.  Methodist has 10 players that averaging more than 10 minutes a ball game.  Methodist is 3-1 in conference play.

Why Ferrum Will Win:  Ferrum is 8-2 and can put up points in bunches. Ferrum has shown some grit pulling out close games.  They are an efficient team at just under 1 with A/T ratio.  If recent success in conference play is an indicator, if the game is close they want it more.  Ferrum has won 3 straight against Methodist.

Why Methodist Will Win: Methodist is a very tough team to play at home.  They have played a rather tough schedule and should be ready to play Ferrum on Saturday. 4 of 5 Methodist's wins this year have come on the weekend. Methodist is 4-3 at home against Ferrum back to 2003-2004.

Outlook: Very tough to call this one. Initially I thought Ferrum would come in here and have no trouble with Methodist.  If Ferrum is able to jump out early on Methodist then Ferrum will take the W.  However, that rarely happens when Methodist plays at home.  If it is close game,  Methodist has the edge at the line. Rebounding margin is rather close,  I think the edge does belong to the home team, they understand the rims better than the away team.  Its very hard to see a blowout in this one. I am going with the upset in a close game.  Methodist wins 65-59.  Ferrum had to overcome a 17 point deficit to a team that won only one conference game last year.  They get a tougher conference team on the road this time.  Ferrum is only 10-9 against Methodist the last 19 tries.

[CNU85]

CNU just held another team to under 30% shooting. 4th consecutive game.

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

USASouth Game of the Week:

11-0 Greensboro @ 9-2 Ferrum

Summary:  Ferrum's women's basketball team should get the nickname used for last year's NFL's Cincinnati Bengals team.  'Cardiac Cats'  They rallied this past weekend at Methodist to bring home the W.  Ferrum trailed by 7pts at the half and didn't take the lead until 7 minutes left in the game. Of note congratulations are in order for Coach Harvey, on picking up his 100th win with the team.  Congratulations!  Nothing new with this team, they succeeded this past weekend getting balanced scoring with 4 players in double figures. Ferrum improved to 5-0 in conference play with the win.

Greensboro comes into this game with a 11-0 record and 6-0 in conference play.  They come off a great weekend sweeping the USASouth conference awards.  Duncan (player of the week) Pickard (rookie of the week) Greensboro is lead by experience and with talented fresh faces that provide excellent depth.  Greensboro's defense has been stingy all year.  They have held opponents to below 40% shooting all year and opponents only manage to average just over 50 pts per game against them.

Why Ferrum Can Win:  Ferrum has a talented all around team and handle the ball well.  They shouldn't turn the ball over as much as the other teams Greensboro has faced this year.  Greensboro rallies around points off TO's (56 pts the last 2 games)  The starters average an A/T ratio over 1 (1.02)  Ferrum will be playing at home a tough place to go play (24-5) back to 2009.  With Ferrum's starters they are a solid shooting group as a team they shoot 2nd best FG% (44.3%) in the conference.  At times watching the Greensboro games there has been some slow help defense and wide open looks at the basket.  This cannot happen or Ferrum will put on points.

Why Greensboro Will Win: Having followed this team for what seems like a long time now, quite frankly this group has the potential to be something special.  This team's athletic ability and depth is solid. They are a very quick team and I don't think Ferrum has the size and athletic ability to consistently keep up with Greensboro. (Ferrum was out rebounded this weekend to Methodist, even though statistically they had the edge. Methodist typically has very athletic teams.)  Greensboro does a very good job of getting to the line and they make them when get there, especially Duncan.  I think she will draw some double teams down low in an effort to help out on defense and force her not to shoot and get fouled.  The guards are good for Ferrum, but they are young and Greensboro could force close to 30 TO's in this game. (G's that get the most minutes for Ferrum actually have an A/T below one) 

Outlook: Greensboro should be able to come out with the victory if they continue to do what the coach asks of them and they play within themselves.  They need to know that what they are doing is best for the team and not try for themselves.  Ferrum may be struggling, but they are pulling out wins.  Neither team should get comfortable with any type of lead.  Greensboro wins 75-60

[CNU85]

http://weblogs.dailypress.com/sports/college/oncampusblog/2011/01/davis_back_home_at_cnu.html

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

If you missed Hoopsville Sunday night, you missed our conversation with Christopher Newport coach Carolyn Hunter.

You can catch the Hoopsville archive here. The interview with Coach Hunter is in the middle half of the show.

And remember, tune in on Sundays and Thursdays throughout the season from 7 - 9 PM EST. And if you have ideas, questions, suggestions, thoughts, whatever email us (hoopsville@d3hoops.com), or follow us on Twitter (@d3hoopsville) or our Facebook Fan Page. And there is always the trusty Ustream chat room and AOL IM (hoopsville2000) during the show.

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

USASouth Game of the Week:

14-1 CNU  @ 15-0 Greensboro

Summary:  History is already being made with this game, this will be the first time two ranked women's basketball teams will take the court at Hanes Gym.  I believe this date has been circled on calendars of the coaches for quite some time now.  Some may argue who the conference rivals for these teams are within the conference, but with the level of play these teams have brought over the last few years, there is no doubt this is a conference rival game.  USASouth must have known something when the schedules were created.  This game will mark the 2nd half of Greensboro and CNU's conference schedule.  This game could mean who will get home court "advantage" for conference tournament (new rules higher seed hosts each round.)

Why CNU can win: CNU is led by All-American Guard Chelsie Schweers currently averaging 24.9 pts/g and newcomer Tiffany Davis freshman transfer from Delaware State.  CNU comes into this season as the conference favorite, for good reason.  They returned all of their starters from a sweet 16 team.  They have the experience to match-up to a very important game.  This team leads the conference in numerous categories, including PPG and FG%.   They commit the fewest amount of TO's and are #2 in A/G.  They have scored over 80pts in nearly half their games.  As of late Greensboro hasn't played very well, despite the record.  Last game at Peace they turned the ball over 31 times over the last 4 games averaging more than 6 above their season average.  When you give a good scoring team like CNU extra chances, you will make it very difficult for your team to score.  Not to mention CNU does press and could get even more TO's and easy baskets.  CNU's defense has been stellar all year long, allowing teams to shoot around 34% and score just under 55 pts per game.  Greensboro isn't the most efficient scoring team in the conference shooting just under 40% at 39.5%.  Overall with CNU's ability to score and play defense this could go into their favor.

Why Greensboro can win: Greensboro has shown some grit and found ways to make close games into routs.  Greensboro is lead by Danielle Duncan inside averaging 22.1 PPG and 7.7 REBG.  CNU and many other posters on this board seem to think CNU will struggle against Duncan inside.  I tend to agree with them on this, but it isn't Duncan, I think they will struggle with; it's the board inside presence Greensboro brings.  There are rebounding teams and then there are athletic rebounding teams.  Greensboro is the latter; they are a very hard team to get a body on, because they are quick to the glass.  Greensboro may not be the most efficient scoring team, but they are #2 in scoring team (behind CNU) lead mostly by their ability to get to the line and make their FT's.   CNU's depth is a little deceptive, 10 players averaging more than 10 minutes per game, but when the game/level of play has been closer CNU's starters play between 10-15 more minutes per game.  CNU will have to rely on the bench, and commit few fouls to stay on track.  Greensboro will continue to come after you from start to finish.


Outlook: I had a dream about this game the other night.  Neither team really shot well until I woke up. I didn't see a winner.  Greensboro is 6-1 against CNU at home going back 7 years, losing only last year.  They did play CNU tough last year despite their record.  Of Greensboro's 15 wins this year 10 have been away from Hanes gym. They will be ready to get some home games under their belt.   The game will be a Greensboro pack the gym night.  It only takes about 25 people pack that gym.  (If Greensboro really packs the gym, CNU players will be able to feel the breath of the fans they are that close.) CNU's only real test on the road so far has been W&L which they squeaked out 81-76.  CNU I think should be coming in here with a little more confidence sine they have been playing top-10 caliber basketball as of late.  Greensboro has been played some tight games (pulling them out on big runs) as of late, to teams not expected to win or compete for conference title.  CNU is not a team you can fool around with, CNU will not go away.  I don't think Greensboro has been tested like CNU will test them on Sunday.  All that said I am going to masseyratings for a score.  Massey says 74-68 in favor of Greensboro.   I will take 5 points of both teams (my dream says they didn't shoot well to start) Greensboro wins 69-63.

[PrideFan1986]

USASouth Game of the Week:

14-1 CNU  @ 15-0 Greensboro

Summary:  History is already being made with this game, this will be the first time two ranked women’s basketball teams will take the court at Hanes Gym.  I believe this date has been circled on calendars of the coaches for quite some time now.  Some may argue who the conference rivals for these teams are within the conference, but with the level of play these teams have brought over the last few years, there is no doubt this is a conference rival game.  USASouth must have known something when the schedules were created.  This game will mark the 2nd half of Greensboro and CNU’s conference schedule.  This game could mean who will get home court “advantage” for conference tournament (new rules higher seed hosts each round.)

Why CNU can win: CNU is led by All-American Guard Chelsie Schweers currently averaging 24.9 pts/g and newcomer Tiffany Davis freshman transfer from Delaware State.  CNU comes into this season as the conference favorite, for good reason.  They returned all of their starters from a sweet 16 team.  They have the experience to match-up to a very important game.  This team leads the conference in numerous categories, including PPG and FG%.   They commit the fewest amount of TO’s and are #2 in A/G.  They have scored over 80pts in nearly half their games.  As of late Greensboro hasn’t played very well, despite the record.  Last game at Peace they turned the ball over 31 times over the last 4 games averaging more than 6 above their season average.  When you give a good scoring team like CNU extra chances, you will make it very difficult for your team to score.  Not to mention CNU does press and could get even more TO’s and easy baskets.  CNU’s defense has been stellar all year long, allowing teams to shoot around 34% and score just under 55 pts per game.  Greensboro isn’t the most efficient scoring team in the conference shooting just under 40% at 39.5%.  Overall with CNU’s ability to score and play defense this could go into their favor.

Why Greensboro can win: Greensboro has shown some grit and found ways to make close games into routs.  Greensboro is lead by Danielle Duncan inside averaging 22.1 PPG and 7.7 REBG.  CNU and many other posters on this board seem to think CNU will struggle against Duncan inside.  I tend to agree with them on this, but it isn’t Duncan, I think they will struggle with; it’s the board inside presence Greensboro brings.  There are rebounding teams and then there are athletic rebounding teams.  Greensboro is the latter; they are a very hard team to get a body on, because they are quick to the glass.  Greensboro may not be the most efficient scoring team, but they are #2 in scoring team (behind CNU) lead mostly by their ability to get to the line and make their FT’s.   CNU’s depth is a little deceptive, 10 players averaging more than 10 minutes per game, but when the game/level of play has been closer CNU’s starters play between 10-15 more minutes per game.  CNU will have to rely on the bench, and commit few fouls to stay on track.  Greensboro will continue to come after you from start to finish.


Outlook: I had a dream about this game the other night.  Neither team really shot well until I woke up. I didn’t see a winner.  Greensboro is 6-1 against CNU at home going back 7 years, losing only last year.  They did play CNU tough last year despite their record.  Of Greensboro’s 15 wins this year 10 have been away from Hanes gym. They will be ready to get some home games under their belt.   The game will be a Greensboro pack the gym night.  It only takes about 25 people pack that gym.  (If Greensboro really packs the gym, CNU players will be able to feel the breath of the fans they are that close.) CNU's only real test on the road so far has been W&L which they squeaked out 81-76.  CNU I think should be coming in here with a little more confidence sine they have been playing top-10 caliber basketball as of late.  Greensboro has been played some tight games (pulling them out on big runs) as of late, to teams not expected to win or compete for conference title.  CNU is not a team you can fool around with, CNU will not go away.  I don’t think Greensboro has been tested like CNU will test them on Sunday.  All that said I am going to masseyratings for a score.  Massey says 74-68 in favor of Greensboro.   I will take 5 points of both teams (my dream says they didn’t shoot well to start) Greensboro wins 69-63.

Whats up man, to be honest with you I dont know what to say on this game. Overall, I think that bothe of these two team have thier strong points. The big thing that The Pride have going with them is that they are playing on thier home court, it will be a game for the ages I do belive. GULLETT'S outcome guess Greensboro WINS in a very hard faught game 61-59. It will be fun to be at this game so if you are in town, come on out to Hanes for a doozy @ 2:00 PM!!!!!!

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

Whats up man, to be honest with you I dont know what to say on this game. Overall, I think that bothe of these two team have thier strong points. The big thing that The Pride have going with them is that they are playing on thier home court, it will be a game for the ages I do belive. GULLETT'S outcome guess Greensboro WINS in a very hard faught game 61-59. It will be fun to be at this game so if you are in town, come on out to Hanes for a doozy @ 2:00 PM!!!!!!

Wish I could be in town for it.  I expect a huge number of people to be watching the game on video, so get that video working right.  Play by play mic is perfect, color mic needs some fine tuning (very fuzzy, scratchy at times)

I want to be up there for the conference tournament, and as always willing to lend a hand.

[PrideFan1986]

Whats up man, to be honest with you I dont know what to say on this game. Overall, I think that bothe of these two team have thier strong points. The big thing that The Pride have going with them is that they are playing on thier home court, it will be a game for the ages I do belive. GULLETT'S outcome guess Greensboro WINS in a very hard faught game 61-59. It will be fun to be at this game so if you are in town, come on out to Hanes for a doozy @ 2:00 PM!!!!!!

Wish I could be in town for it.  I expect a huge number of people to be watching the game on video, so get that video working right.  Play by play mic is perfect, color mic needs some fine tuning (very fuzzy, scratchy at times)

I want to be up there for the conference tournament, and as always willing to lend a hand.

the pbp mic is only like two years old and the other one has been there since our freshman year if not before.

[Bammer]

Congratulations to Greensboro for a big win over CNU.  I bet that the rematch at CNU will be a spirited game.  It is hard to get road wins over good teams.  I thought that Greensboro would win because Duncan would cause too many problems.  She had a good game and she opened up open looks for open 3 pt shots.  Wonder how these 2 teams will be ranked now?

[CNU85]

Congrats to GC. I tried to follow video on my ipad. But I had family over and also had football games on. Last time I checked GC was up by 10 or more and it didn't look like CNU had any steam left. I was surprised by final score. I missed a good one.

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

Congrats to the Pride on receiving the highest ranking in school history.  Continue to play well and prove 'You belong here' (Greensboro College slogan)

http://www.greensborocollegesports.com/news/2011/1/24/WBB_0124111810.aspx?path=wbball


I will not be posting a game of the week this week.  I wanted to give some of the lesser known teams in conference a look, but the games this week should go has expected.

[CNU85]

Congrats to #11
http://cnusports.com/news/2011/1/27/WBB_0127113913.aspx

[GuyFormerlyPSBBG]

Congrats to #11
http://cnusports.com/news/2011/1/27/WBB_0127113913.aspx

Congrats to her!!  Do you know who is at #1, does she have a chance of climbing any higher?