MBB: American Rivers Conference

[Greek Tragedy]

UD has a quality win over Platteville, who then blew out Loras, who went on to beat Aurora, who was an NCAA team last year...and Platteville (if I remember) caused some havoc in the WIAC last year...but for some reason that win was pretty quiet, which makes me think that Platteville was overrated at #20...

If causing some havoc in the WIAC last year means sharing the conference title with Stevens Point, then yeah, they caused some havoc!   They might have been a little overrated.  I mean, Point won the National Championship, lost four starters, including TWO 1st team all-conference players and didn't make the top 25 (which I'm not complaining about, because they shouldn't have).  Platteville also lost TWO 1st team all-conference players in Brad Reitzner and Brandon Temperly.  So, yeah, maybe a little overrated, especially since they are only 5-4 overall and just 1-2 in the conference thus far.  One of those wins was against ranked Elmhurst, while losses included ranked Stout and one of the best NAIA teams in Robert Morris-Chicago and an up-and-coming La Crosse team.  So it goes.

Big game in Dubuque tonight. BV plays Steven's Point in the Clarke Holiday Tourney.

Steven doesn't own Point.  It's just Stevens Point. 

By the way, Point holds of a spirited Buena Vista rally, 75-70. Read Here.

[keith45]

Thanks for the WIAC info...I'm a Dubuque alum, so I was hoping that the win over Platteville would mean more that it did...so is the IIAC going to end up at .500 versus WIAC this year, or one game under? I thought there were 2 more games, but I may be wrong.

BTW, what is your opinion on the UW-Stout upcoming matchup in their Wendy's Tournament? I think they can pull it out versus Augustana if they get some decent play from the 7 footers..I played with them in a tournament last spring north of Appleton, when they are motivated, they are pretty good!

[sportsknight]

Honestly can't say I was very impressed by BV last night.  Everyone knows they are a very young team, but I really don't think they will be able to develop some of those players in one season.  You could tell that a lot of their players were not used to playing college basketball and had a lot to learn. 

I would even go so far as to say that Dubuque is probably a better team than BV this season.  I was very impressed with the Spartans when I saw them beat Platteville a few weeks back.  I'd put UD in the #3 spot in the conference this season, with BV coming in anywhere from 4-6, depending on how Loras and Simpson turn out.

[keith45]

What did you think of BV's pressure defense? Sounds like it caused some issues, from the WIAC board...

[welseyanbulldog]

Luther bumps to 6-3, or what should be 6-2 minus the loss to Loyola a strong Division I Mid-Major. 

This team is for real ladies and gentleman, watch out for the NORSE!!!!

[keith45]

What quality opponents has Luther beat? 6-3 is good, but against who? UD is 7-1 and Coe is 8-2, but they have only played 3-4  decent teams between the two of them.

[IIAC Observer]

I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season!!  The time right after Christmas is always an exciting time for IIAC hoops.  Finally getting into the conference season.  Some interesting games this week.  Predictions anyone??

Oh yeah, anyone else notice the similarities between the officials that worked the Iowa bowl game and IIAC officials?? hahahaha....j/k everyone

[IIAC Observer]

Not sure if anyone is alive out there to read this.....but here are my predictions for tonight (Bold as they may be)

BV over Cornell   -  struggling all year, but still 2-0 in the league

Central over UD  - I think Central is better than people give them credit for, plus they are     
                              at home

Simpson over Luther - Simpson has a rolling a bit, confidence is high, and Luther isn't as
                                    good as some on this board seem to believe

Loras over Wartburg  -  You heard it here.  Loras wants to avoid 0-2, and are at home.


Those predictions ought to get some of you interested again, at least enough to tell me how stupid I am....hahahahaha....Happy Conference Season

[The Show]

Is Loras still playing in that hole that they call a gym or did they get a new facility?

I'll take BV, Central, Simpson, and Wartburg. (Loras might make it close if they are still playing in that old P.O.S.)

[The Show]

Oh...and I witnessed that Outback Bowl officiating in person...

The majority of the IIAC Basketball officials would have called a better football game than those Conference USA clowns!!!

[sportsknight]

I'll take Wartburg, BV, Dubuque, and Simpson tonight.

To answer the questions already posed, yes Loras still plays in that cracker-jack box of a gym.  I got thrown out of there last year when Wartburg was in town and if you think I'm staying home to watch Texas-USC tonight, you're crazier than the Outback bowl refs.

[IIAC Observer]

4 for 4....Dare I say genius?  hahahaha....I just had a good feeling about the games.  So much for watching out for Luther, and so much for writing off BV.  UD (I'm sorry Keith) is still going to finish middle to bottom of the league.  Heading to Pella Saturday for the Central/Simpson game.  Could be a good one.

[The Show]

Furthermore, there is no way they will lose to any of the teams you listed and if they do happen to it'll be BV.  Never UD or Loras, sorry.  I'm telling you 15-1 last year is gonna turn into 16-0 and when it does I don't want to be the one to tell you so.  Write it down and date this entry cause it's gonna happen.

Well, there goes that prediction...

[IIAC Observer]

Where the heck is everyone??  Has the sight really fallen this far???  No word from any Wartburg fans? Nothing from Keith???  I realize a lot of rhe BV posters have lost some interest or graduated (no offense Show), but this site seems dead.

[The Show]

Yeah, it is rather dead on here.  Not sure if it because of the new board or not...

I still have a cousin-in-law shooting hoops for the Beavers, so I'll be keeping up with their program for awhile.