MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[aero75]

It is interesting that the officiating crew didn't know the difference between the HS and NCAA rule book regarding lane violations during free throw attempts.

[miacsuperfan]

wow!  nicely done, vipes.  and nice call by piperinsider.   i don't think anyone else can HONESTLY say that they saw that one coming!   

and finally the johnnies break out vs their rival brethren from winona.  saw the boxscore and i have to wonder what is up with lukus holland of late.  he has not been himself, going 5-29 from the field in his last three games, and 10-44 in the last six.  hope his music career hasn't messed up his shot!

dp, i don't know about a soft spot in my HEART, but i must have had a soft spot in my HEAD picking the royals to beat the oles at bethel last night.  i was overly dazzled by their above average performance on saturday and got carried away.   it appears that bobby fong was the man vs. the punchless royals.

[piperinsider]

Hats off to Hamline. I was worried about this one, as UST has trouble in Hutton Arena as far back as I can remember. The Pipers shot the lights out, and were lethal from three-point range. The battles in the paint, particularly between Hipp & Hannon, were intense and fun to watch.  The refs were horrible, but not in any manner that altered the outcome. They missed a lot things both ways and made some "interesting" calls, again both ways. The play of Parnell, Gullickson (isnt that a tennis player's name?), and Campbell was the key to HU's success. IMO, Hipp was not as big a factor in the outcome as his stats line would imply and I've been a fan of the big man for 4 years. The lights out shooting of Pernal and Gullickson as well as clutch play by Campbell, sparked the Pipers and spelled the difference.

PI-- trivia question to cool your jets some   -- When was the last time HU won at the UST campus? (HINT-- none of today's players were born but Smitty was coaching at USJ)

I knew I shoulda left the office earlier and had my Kim's chicken

Wild guess....1986.

Mose - Are we talking the original Kim's on Marshall that was bought out (I think that's what my parents told me) or the reimagining of the original owners on Randolph and Dunlap?

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Hats off to Hamline. I was worried about this one, as UST has trouble in Hutton Arena as far back as I can remember. The Pipers shot the lights out, and were lethal from three-point range. The battles in the paint, particularly between Hipp & Hannon, were intense and fun to watch.  The refs were horrible, but not in any manner that altered the outcome. They missed a lot things both ways and made some "interesting" calls, again both ways. The play of Parnell, Gullickson (isnt that a tennis player's name?), and Campbell was the key to HU's success. IMO, Hipp was not as big a factor in the outcome as his stats line would imply and I've been a fan of the big man for 4 years. The lights out shooting of Pernal and Gullickson as well as clutch play by Campbell, sparked the Pipers and spelled the difference.

PI-- trivia question to cool your jets some   -- When was the last time HU won at the UST campus? (HINT-- none of today's players were born but Smitty was coaching at USJ)

I knew I shoulda left the office earlier and had my Kim's chicken

Wild guess....1986.

Mose - Are we talking the original Kim's on Marshall that was bought out (I think that's what my parents told me) or the reimagining of the original owners on Randolph and Dunlap?

your wild guess was kinda close. HU never won in the Old Shoe... last win at UST came in either 1978-79 or 1979-80 back when Jimmy Carter was President

Kims on Marshall... as far as I know, it is back in the original ownership. my waitress the other night said the old lady I remember running the kitchen back when I first went there was her great-grandmother. I havent tried the "new" kims on Randolph, but here its the same food

[Drake Palmer]

I think I might have been bad luck for Mose last night as I decided to try out this Kim's fried chicken one more time.   At 6.25 it's a good value for half a huge fried chicken & copious amounts of fried rice, but personally, I've had better fried chicken.  But I digress... back to the Pipers Tommies game.

The Pipes were able to execute their game plan to perfection aided by the near flawless play of their guards Mike Campbell - early, & Brandon Rieg –late.  Plus some ridiculously clutch 3 pt shooting by "Mr. Oregon" Tyler Pannell, Christian Taber, & Sam "Who?" Gullickson.  Unconscious!   Campbell was nearly unstoppable driving to the lane & threatening to dump off the ball to Carl Hipp, which caused the UST help defender to collapse.  Or Campbell, Rieg & or Levi Wenrich would stop, quickly reverse the ball, & then find a Hamline guard for a semi-open jumper.  Some of those long range shots Pannell took were unreal, long heat checks.

Plus, Hipp is so dangerous on the block that he demands a double team from opposing teams which normally is effective defense against Hamline as they've not known as a particularly good shooting team. Prior to last night they were 9th in the league in 3 pt shooting as they had made 42 out of 132 attempts for a "coolish" 31.8%. But Hamline guards are as quick as the Tommies and neutralized the Tommies' edge, & last night they were making their open shots.

It will be interesting to see how UST defends Hamline the next time they meet.  Will they play Hipp straight up & defend the guards a bit tighter?  But after 20 some years of success, I think Coach Fritz & staff have a decent idea of how to play defense. Hamline will also need to show that last night's shooting performance wasn't a one night fluke. Seriously – Sam Gullickson?  Nice shooting.

For UST they needed to get more production from someone other than Nicolai & Healy, both of whom shot reasonably well, but no one else came up big in the 2nd half for UST.  Healy & Nicolai scored 24 of the 32 points scored in the 2nd half, while  Hannon, Halvorsen, & Pedretti combined to shoot 0-5, 2-2 from the FT line for 2 points.  To beat Hamline you need to challenge Carl Hipp, but he was free to play pretty much all night without fear of fouls.  Zero personal fouls called on him in the game. Hunh?

By the way – I might be showing my age, but what was the deal with the Hamline students standing up & jingling their keys at the end of the game?

So let's see- UST vs GAC round 2, UST vs. CARL round 2, UST vs. HAM round 2. Those 3 games al are shaping up to be potential Games of the Week or Night. Plus if the Johnnies start living up to their potential??  Could be a real interesting 2nd half of the season.

[piperinsider]

I think I might have been bad luck for Mose last night as I decided to try out this Kim's fried chicken one more time.   At 6.25 it's a good value for half a huge fried chicken & copious amounts of fried rice, but personally, I've had better fried chicken.  But I digress... back to the Pipers Tommies game.

The Pipes were able to execute their game plan to perfection aided by the near flawless play of their guards Mike Campbell - early, & Brandon Rieg –late.  Plus some ridiculously clutch 3 pt shooting by "Mr. Oregon" Tyler Pannell, Christian Taber, & Sam "Who?" Gullickson.  Unconscious!   Campbell was nearly unstoppable driving to the lane & threatening to dump off the ball to Carl Hipp, which caused the UST help defender to collapse.  Or Campbell, Rieg & or Levi Wenrich would stop, quickly reverse the ball, & then find a Hamline guard for a semi-open jumper.  Some of those long range shots Pannell took were unreal, long heat checks.

Plus, Hipp is so dangerous on the block that he demands a double team from opposing teams which normally is effective defense against Hamline as they've not known as a particularly good shooting team. Prior to last night they were 9th in the league in 3 pt shooting as they had made 42 out of 132 attempts for a "coolish" 31.8%. But Hamline guards are as quick as the Tommies and neutralized the Tommies' edge, & last night they were making their open shots.

It will be interesting to see how UST defends Hamline the next time they meet.  Will they play Hipp straight up & defend the guards a bit tighter?  But after 20 some years of success, I think Coach Fritz & staff have a decent idea of how to play defense. Hamline will also need to show that last night's shooting performance wasn't a one night fluke. Seriously – Sam Gullickson?  Nice shooting.

For UST they needed to get more production from someone other than Nicolai & Healy, both of whom shot reasonably well, but no one else came up big in the 2nd half for UST.  Healy & Nicolai scored 24 of the 32 points scored in the 2nd half, while  Hannon, Halvorsen, & Pedretti combined to shoot 0-5, 2-2 from the FT line for 2 points.  To beat Hamline you need to challenge Carl Hipp, but he was free to play pretty much all night without fear of fouls.  Zero personal fouls called on him in the game. Hunh?

By the way – I might be showing my age, but what was the deal with the Hamline students standing up & jingling their keys at the end of the game?

So let's see- UST vs GAC round 2, UST vs. CARL round 2, UST vs. HAM round 2. Those 3 games al are shaping up to be potential Games of the Week or Night. Plus if the Johnnies start living up to their potential??  Could be a real interesting 2nd half of the season.

Sam Gullickson was a real nice player for Holy Angels the past couple of years. He always had nice games against Hutchinson (then again, who didn't before last year when they made state for the first time in 35 years). He's 12-for-21 from three in conference games.

Anyone notice if Jordan Schmidt is hurt for Hamline? Or is he ineligible? Hasn't played since the Dec. 14 game against River Falls.

[papahoops]

and finally the johnnies break out vs their rival brethren from winona.  saw the boxscore and i have to wonder what is up with lukus holland of late.  he has not been himself, going 5-29 from the field in his last three games, and 10-44 in the last six.  hope his music career hasn't messed up his shot!

I have been noticing Holland's significant drop in performace as well this year. Too bad ole Willy Wonka still isn't sround on the board. I wonder if he would still be arguing that Holland was as good as Nocolai I know its not fair commenting when he can't replay, but I couldn't resist taking the shot  for old times sake:) Must admit I miss the ole Willy's contributions. Too bad e turned into a coach that can't comment on the board anymore

[TommieHoops4Life]

I watched UST/Hamline from my desk last night at work thanks to Hamline's live webcast. Nice feed other than the picture being a little dark...

I'll give Hamline credit for making shots, but the Tommie defense was atrocious in the second half. Hamline's guards penetrated the lane far too easily, creating opportunities all around for Hipp and on the perimeter. The Pipers made their perimeter shots because they were for the most part wide open looks at the basket, not far off from the perimeter issues the Gophs have had this season.

In recent times the Tommies have thrived off the frenetic pace approach with the press and scoring in transition, and I didn't see any of that until they were down by double digits in the second half and it was too late. Letting a team shoot 57 percent from three-point range on 21 tries is inexcusable.

From the few games I've seen UST play this season, I figured there might be a tough night against a Gustavus or Carleton, which have both already been close games. Give the Pipers props though, Hipp couldn't be stopped inside and the guards didn't miss from outside.

I look for this to be a reality check for them on the season, and after a convincing win at Mac tomorrow, four straight home games should help.

[hoopsof80]

I think I might have been bad luck for Mose last night as I decided to try out this Kim's fried chicken one more time.   At 6.25 it's a good value for half a huge fried chicken & copious amounts of fried rice, but personally, I've had better fried chicken.  But I digress... back to the Pipers Tommies game.

The Pipes were able to execute their game plan to perfection aided by the near flawless play of their guards Mike Campbell - early, & Brandon Rieg –late.  Plus some ridiculously clutch 3 pt shooting by "Mr. Oregon" Tyler Pannell, Christian Taber, & Sam "Who?" Gullickson.  Unconscious!   Campbell was nearly unstoppable driving to the lane & threatening to dump off the ball to Carl Hipp, which caused the UST help defender to collapse.  Or Campbell, Rieg & or Levi Wenrich would stop, quickly reverse the ball, & then find a Hamline guard for a semi-open jumper.  Some of those long range shots Pannell took were unreal, long heat checks.

Plus, Hipp is so dangerous on the block that he demands a double team from opposing teams which normally is effective defense against Hamline as they've not known as a particularly good shooting team. Prior to last night they were 9th in the league in 3 pt shooting as they had made 42 out of 132 attempts for a "coolish" 31.8%. But Hamline guards are as quick as the Tommies and neutralized the Tommies' edge, & last night they were making their open shots.

It will be interesting to see how UST defends Hamline the next time they meet.  Will they play Hipp straight up & defend the guards a bit tighter?  But after 20 some years of success, I think Coach Fritz & staff have a decent idea of how to play defense. Hamline will also need to show that last night's shooting performance wasn't a one night fluke. Seriously – Sam Gullickson?  Nice shooting.

For UST they needed to get more production from someone other than Nicolai & Healy, both of whom shot reasonably well, but no one else came up big in the 2nd half for UST.  Healy & Nicolai scored 24 of the 32 points scored in the 2nd half, while  Hannon, Halvorsen, & Pedretti combined to shoot 0-5, 2-2 from the FT line for 2 points.  To beat Hamline you need to challenge Carl Hipp, but he was free to play pretty much all night without fear of fouls.  Zero personal fouls called on him in the game. Hunh?

By the way – I might be showing my age, but what was the deal with the Hamline students standing up & jingling their keys at the end of the game?

So let's see- UST vs GAC round 2, UST vs. CARL round 2, UST vs. HAM round 2. Those 3 games al are shaping up to be potential Games of the Week or Night. Plus if the Johnnies start living up to their potential??  Could be a real interesting 2nd half of the season.

Sam Gullickson was a real nice player for Holy Angels the past couple of years. He always had nice games against Hutchinson (then again, who didn't before last year when they made state for the first time in 35 years). He's 12-for-21 from three in conference games.

Anyone notice if Jordan Schmidt is hurt for Hamline? Or is he ineligible? Hasn't played since the Dec. 14 game against River Falls.

Schmidt is suffering from the effects of a leg infection that started last fall.  recovery time is uncertain, and at this time not known if he will be able to return this season or not.

[TheSuperfan]

Inside source , says Schmidt may be back by Mid-February, but play time will most likely be close to none as he has not been able to practice with the team or otherwise.

[piperinsider]

That's too bad. Really thought he had a nice freshman season and expected big things from him this season. I guess I hadn't even noticed until Monday.

Interested to see how the Pipers play tonight against Carleton. If they can win back-to-back over UST and CAR....wow is all we'll be saying.

[Drake Palmer]

Carlies win 70-67 over Pipes in St. Paul on the back of a Sutherland triple with 5 seconds left in the game!

[carletonsid]

Carlies win 70-67 over Pipes in St. Paul on the back of a Sutherland triple with 5 seconds left in the game!

Sutherland also goes over 1,000 career points tonight, so a pretty memorable evening. We'll try to get a little video of his 1,000th and the game-winner posted on our website tomorrow morning. Wasn't there, but admit I screamed when he made that three.

[Buddo]

And the Superfan calls it!  nice work.

It's good for SJU to get that win over SMU. It was baffling me how they could be 2-5 with all that talent.

What's even more baffling is how SMU continues to lose. Just like last year, they are suffering from a mid-season losing streak that is really taking a chunk out of their playoff hopes. Looks like Landrum should have pulled in at least a few new faces this year. And next year? Ughhhhh they might not see a win all year.

[Drake Palmer]

Alright, here's a little kindling for the posting fire to warm up our frozen brains.

The Palmer Mid Year League Awards

First Team

Forward Carl Hipp SR–Hamline
PG Tyler Nicolai SR– St. Thomas
SF Darrin Olmscheid SR – Concordia
W Jeremy Sutherland SR – Carleton
2G Alex Healy SR – St. Thomas

Second Team

Forward Chris Palmer SO– St. Marys
Forward Aaron Burtzel SR – St. Johns
PG- Dan Schmidtknecht SR – Gustavus
SF Mike Campbell-JR - Hamline
W Bobby Fong JR – St. Olaf
2G Phil Wirtjes SR – Gustavus

Honorable Mention

Tommy Hannon JR – St. Thomas
Pierce Peters SO – Macalester
Cory Polta JR – Augsburg
Will Wright SR- SMU

Most Improved
Ebo Nana-Kweson SO- Concordia
Cory Polta JR - Augsburg

Best Slashers in the league

1) Jeremy Sutherland
1A)  Mike Campbell.  IMO if this kid had a mid range jumper he could make D3 All American.  He's that good. But no J.

Best Handles & Wheels

Tyler Nicolai, Mike Jenson – STO, Alfred Jaryan- STO

Best perimeter defender – Sutherland

Best post defender – Carl Hipp

6th Man - Erik Lien Concordia/ Tyler Grey - Gustavus

Mr.Clutch

Nicolai, Sutherland, Hipp

Best Jumpers- Nicolai, Tyler Grey - GAC

Top Freshmen

Andy Seidlitz – Augsburg
Parker Hines – Augsburg
Michael Jenson – St. Olaf
Nathan Kuck – St. Olaf
Christian Skinner – Bethel

Edit:  I gotta add my man Justin Wasik over at MAC & the Tommie man Tyler Pannell from Hamline.