MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[John Gleich]

I admit to being very nervous for UST going into the Aurora game, as I felt it could be a trap game, like Carroll (WI) was a few years back...talk about an embarrassing loss and sour note to end the seniors' careers.

While Wheaton is obviously a stronger challenge and a more formidable team than Aurora, I'm feeling pretty confident now.  The week betwen games has allowed UST to get healthy....tengwall, kaiser and hannon all nursing aches. Id say they will come into this game much like the aurora game or the first augsburg game- primed and pumped. It will be close the first 8-12 minutes, but the Tommies D, depth and athleticism will wear down the Wheaties and end up somewhere around an 84-69 final.

Then its bring on UWSP on the 16th!

Oy.. I wish it was that simple.

I think Point is going to struggle against Calvin. 2 of SP's 5 losses were to UW Platteville, a team who was able to put size on Point's guards. Calvin is even bigger than UWP and has an even greater rebounding margin than the Pioneers.

Now, point of clarification... Calvin also plays at a faster pace than Platteville (about 10 possessions more, total, per game), but they also have the same defensive PPG average (57), so it means that Calvin is more efficient defensively.

Now, one difference between Platteville and Calvin... according to Massey, Platteville played the 9th toughest schedule (and that's INCLUDING four patsies to start the year), whereas Calvin played the 72nd toughest schedule. It seems strange to have a team that's 19-9 rated as #9 on Massey's ratings, but that's where Platteville falls. Calvin falls at #6 and Stevens Point is at #4.

I think this is definitely a winable game for SP. I'm happy that it's in Wisconsin as opposed to Michigan. The Friendly Confines of Quandt fieldhouse is where Stevens Point is by far the most comfortable I also hope that the refs allow the game to be physical. That may sound strange because Calvin is so much bigger than Point... But I'm not sure that the MIAA is as physical a conference as the WIAC, and I think that it may turn into turnovers for Calvin. At least, that's what I'm hoping!

[Drake Palmer]

Not much talk on here about the potential candidates for the two openings in the MIAC. Have to think, if they're smart, that Hamline waits for UST's run to be over so they can hire Jim Hayes....

I came across this in Charley Walters column today:

Pssst: Among three finalists for the Hamline men's basketball coaching vacancy are a member of the Timberwolves' management staff as well as a member of the Gophers' staff.

If this is true, this is quite interesting.  Can you imagine David Kahn from the T-wolves "management staff" or young Saul Smith from the Gopher staff.   

I've got to think that the finalists for the Hamline position would have an absolutely impeccable reputation, along with the requisite X & O skills, plus recruiting charm.

I like ROR's suggestion & think a certain candyman would be an ideal candidate for the SMU job. 

[Gregory Sager]

I admit to being very nervous for UST going into the Aurora game, as I felt it could be a trap game, like Carroll (WI) was a few years back...talk about an embarrassing loss and sour note to end the seniors' careers.

While Wheaton is obviously a stronger challenge and a more formidable team than Aurora, I'm feeling pretty confident now.  The week betwen games has allowed UST to get healthy....tengwall, kaiser and hannon all nursing aches. Id say they will come into this game much like the aurora game or the first augsburg game- primed and pumped. It will be close the first 8-12 minutes, but the Tommies D, depth and athleticism will wear down the Wheaties and end up somewhere around an 84-69 final.

Then its bring on UWSP on the 16th!

Oy.. I wish it was that simple.

I think Point is going to struggle against Calvin. 2 of SP's 5 losses were to UW Platteville, a team who was able to put size on Point's guards. Calvin is even bigger than UWP and has an even greater rebounding margin than the Pioneers.

Now, point of clarification... Calvin also plays at a faster pace than Platteville (about 10 possessions more, total, per game), but they also have the same defensive PPG average (57), so it means that Calvin is more efficient defensively.

Now, one difference between Platteville and Calvin... according to Massey, Platteville played the 9th toughest schedule (and that's INCLUDING four patsies to start the year), whereas Calvin played the 72nd toughest schedule. It seems strange to have a team that's 19-9 rated as #9 on Massey's ratings, but that's where Platteville falls. Calvin falls at #6 and Stevens Point is at #4.

I think this is definitely a winable game for SP. I'm happy that it's in Wisconsin as opposed to Michigan. The Friendly Confines of Quandt fieldhouse is where Stevens Point is by far the most comfortable I also hope that the refs allow the game to be physical. That may sound strange because Calvin is so much bigger than Point... But I'm not sure that the MIAA is as physical a conference as the WIAC, and I think that it may turn into turnovers for Calvin. At least, that's what I'm hoping!

Well said. Calvin @ UWSP is one of the most intriguing second-round matchups in this tourney, and the Knights are a serious threat to come away with the road win at Quandt. I doubt that many Pointers fans are going along with miacmaniac in assuming an automatic UWSP win.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

My two cents worth-- If I'm the Hamline AD, Jim Hayes' name would be at the top of my wish list.  We have seen how T-wolves personnel work out in the MIAC (see SMU). Hamline has made the mistake of bringing in a football coach with D-I ties, which resulted in them slipping even lower than they were prior to his hiring...to give an idea of how low, Mac considers Hamline to be a "beatable" opponent now.

The way I've heard it the previous Hamline AD let the word be known that Hayes should not apply, which was a huge mistake (not the only colossal blunder made at HU in that regime).

Jim Hayes was one hell of a player in his day-- not just talented but basketball smart and a hell of a leader on the floor (I don't know about beyond the floor, but that it stands to logical reasoning that he was a leader off the court as well.) He is a proven recruiting guru-- look at the quality of the freshmen classes he helped bring in at Carleton; the current UST freshie class is one of the best I can remember @ St. Thomas, and Hayes played  a major role in reeling them in. He's younger and energetic, connects well with players, recruits and parents.

If Hambone hires anyone but Jim Hayes, the new coach there had better be a bona fide proven winning coach, not some lame Gopher/T-wolves assistant or admin guy looking to punch up a resume. My inner Tommie hopes they leave Hayes alone and he continues to help Tauer & Co build a dynasty.

The SMU job- they have tried everything, and nothing has worked. The best "success" they've had in the past 25 years was in the Trewick era and I think MT had them heading in the right direction. This would be a good gig for a young go-getter, someone in his 30s with a passionate desire to (1) jumpstart a moribund program and (2) make a name for himself in the process. I can't see the candy man in the job, but I could see the Nets video assistant stepping in nicely. Or maybe steal McKenzie from USJ... or a hungry HS coach from Chicagoland....or even a proven winner h.s. coach from WI with MIAC ties....or maybe Hayes if Hamline foolishly passes on him.

No clight to Calvin intended....UWSP is a near-impossible place to take a W home from. Assuming UST gets past Wheaton, I think they'd almost rather plav Calvin than UWSP...but relish hosting either of them on the MARCH TO ATLANTA

[aero75]

Rumored Hamline BB coaching finalists per Ryan James tweet:
Jim Hayes
Rob Babcock
Joe Esposito

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Rumored Hamline BB coaching finalists per Ryan James tweet:
Jim Hayes
Rob Babcock
Joe Esposito

Esposito would be a good option as would Hayes. Backcock- from an NBA GM to .....coaching Hamline? maybe Flip Suanders will get the SMU job!

[USee]

Tommies in a near monkeystomp. You heard it hear first (unless you count maniac's triple monkeystomp prediction).

Spell check on aisle 3. 

[TommieHoops4Life]

I was able to watch the first half of UST/Wheaton online but for some reason the webcast by MSBN went black for almost the entire second half. Regardless, nice to see the Tommies hold off a tough and physical Wheaton squad. 51 fouls called in the game, and they key on the stat sheet was outscoring Wheaton 28-11 at the FT line.

Wheaton was a scrappy and at times chippy team, even drawing a technical foul on Riedeman (I think). St. Thomas played most of the first half at its pace and led 37-21 before Wheaton cut it to 12 at half. Couldn't watch the second half because of technical problems, but Wheaton cut it down to 59-53 before UST pulled away with FTs. It's a game where it shows the Tommies don't have to rely on their transition game to win.

Tommy Hannon is stepping up and being a leader when his team needs him most, unlike a certain other team in the Twin Cities. He had 18 and 10. While this team has a TON of talent, they're at their best when Hannon and DeBerg play well.

Everyone was waiting for a UST/Steven's Point rematch when the bracket came out, but Calvin crashed the party. Should be an interesting week of preparation. I expect UST to have one of its best games of the year in front of the home crowd for the final time this season.

[tommiegun]

I'm disappointed my near stomp prediction didn't pan out. But glad UST is on to the Seductive Sixteen again! Go Toms!

[Drake Palmer]

UST 68
Wheaton 58

It was a good ball game and environment at the new Shoe on Saturday night. For two teams that look like a bunch of choir boys, both teams played an extremely physical game. As the second half continued, some players had difficulties keeping their emotions and mouths in check.  In fact, once UST's Zach Riedeman was trying to run up the floor with his head trapped in a headlock under the armpit of Wheaton's center Nathan Haynes. UST fans were screaming bloody murder while the refs seemed to think, "boys will be boys."  No harm, no foul.   Wheaton's coach Mike Schauer also became quite heated with the ref's officiating.  Once I noticed he said a few words with Bethel coach Jeff Westlund who was sitting at the scoring table in some NCAA regional host capacity. My guess is that he probably told Westie – "if this is the physical style of basketball you all play up here in the MIAC, you can forget about starting up that home and away series." 

Wheaton's Tyler Peters has had better days on a basketball court but obviously he's a big time talent. 4-7 FGA, 2-3 FTA, 10 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals.  He had a couple of very nice scoring drives when he beat his defender with his left–hand to the cup and finished with his left hand. Brayden Teuscher was also a very effective slasher and led Wheaton with 16 pts. In a surprise to me, forward Peter Smith was able to keep Wheaton in the game with some timely 3 pointers in the 2nd half.

Based on the advance scouting report on Calvin College, I'm guessing the Tommies will be prepared for more bigs stepping out hitting treys.

People talk about the UST press which is tough, but one thing that frequently gets overlooked is their smothering, physical half-court defense. Players keep continual pressure on the ball & are constantly jumping out in the passing lanes, yet are quick enough to recover to their man. Wheaton had 21 TOS and if I was to venture a guess, I would say over 2/3s of those TOs came in their half court sets. The relatively small, but tough guard trio of 6—1 Eric Tengwall, 6-0 Will DeBerg, and 6-0 Marcus Alipate were able to effectively hound and harass 6-4 Wheaton star Tyler Peters into 8 TOs.

Defensively, Wheaton did a good job of taking the Tommies' 3-ball away, 2-8 3FGA.  The only treys UST hit on the day were a couple of nice bonus shots made by FY Taylor Montero. He looks like he's an old school type of rookie who quietly goes about his way & lets the upperclassmen lead the way.  Since the 3-ball wasn't there, UST spread the floor & keep driving to the rack & challenging Wheaton for the contested layup, or the drive, reverse the ball,  quick ball reversal again to Tommy Hannon who did a masterful job of sealing his man & getting the lob pass to convert a layup.

This was a tough, hard-nosed ball game. This was also the first time I've actually felt this team could potentially rival those recent Tommie teams from the past 5 years. Nice combination of good coaching, athletes, depth, skills, resilience, & will to win. In our winter of basketball discontent, the Tommies are a joy to watch.

[blue_jays]

UST 68
Wheaton 58

It was a good ball game and environment at the new Shoe on Saturday night. For two teams that look like a bunch of choir boys, both teams played an extremely physical game. As the second half continued, some players had difficulties keeping their emotions and mouths in check.  In fact, once UST's Zach Riedeman was trying to run up the floor with his head trapped in a headlock under the armpit of Wheaton's center Nathan Haynes. UST fans were screaming bloody murder while the refs seemed to think, "boys will be boys."  No harm, no foul.   Wheaton's coach Mike Schauer also became quite heated with the ref's officiating.  Once I noticed he said a few words with Bethel coach Jeff Westlund who was sitting at the scoring table in some NCAA regional host capacity. My guess is that he probably told Westie – "if this is the physical style of basketball you all play up here in the MIAC, you can forget about starting up that home and away series." 

Wheaton's Tyler Peters has had better days on a basketball court but obviously he's a big time talent. 4-7 FGA, 2-3 FTA, 10 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals.  He had a couple of very nice scoring drives when he beat his defender with his left–hand to the cup and finished with his left hand. Brayden Teuscher was also a very effective slasher and led Wheaton with 16 pts. In a surprise to me, forward Peter Smith was able to keep Wheaton in the game with some timely 3 pointers in the 2nd half.

Based on the advance scouting report on Calvin College, I'm guessing the Tommies will be prepared for more bigs stepping out hitting treys.

People talk about the UST press which is tough, but one thing that frequently gets overlooked is their smothering, physical half-court defense. Players keep continual pressure on the ball & are constantly jumping out in the passing lanes, yet are quick enough to recover to their man. Wheaton had 21 TOS and if I was to venture a guess, I would say over 2/3s of those TOs came in their half court sets. The relatively small, but tough guard trio of 6—1 Eric Tengwall, 6-0 Will DeBerg, and 6-0 Marcus Alipate were able to effectively hound and harass 6-4 Wheaton star Tyler Peters into 8 TOs.

Defensively, Wheaton did a good job of taking the Tommies' 3-ball away, 2-8 3FGA.  The only treys UST hit on the day were a couple of nice bonus shots made by FY Taylor Montero. He looks like he's an old school type of rookie who quietly goes about his way & lets the upperclassmen lead the way.  Since the 3-ball wasn't there, UST spread the floor & keep driving to the rack & challenging Wheaton for the contested layup, or the drive, reverse the ball,  quick ball reversal again to Tommy Hannon who did a masterful job of sealing his man & getting the lob pass to convert a layup.

This was a tough, hard-nosed ball game. This was also the first time I've actually felt this team could potentially rival those recent Tommie teams from the past 5 years. Nice combination of good coaching, athletes, depth, skills, resilience, & will to win. In our winter of basketball discontent, the Tommies are a joy to watch.

I'm sure he was more complaining about the brutal officiating for both sides with all those fouls. CCIW is just as physical as the MIAC or any other conference in the country, just watch Augustana play some time.

[Drake Palmer]

UST 68
Wheaton 58

It was a good ball game and environment at the new Shoe on Saturday night. For two teams that look like a bunch of choir boys, both teams played an extremely physical game. As the second half continued, some players had difficulties keeping their emotions and mouths in check.  In fact, once UST's Zach Riedeman was trying to run up the floor with his head trapped in a headlock under the armpit of Wheaton's center Nathan Haynes. UST fans were screaming bloody murder while the refs seemed to think, "boys will be boys."  No harm, no foul.   Wheaton's coach Mike Schauer also became quite heated with the ref's officiating.  Once I noticed he said a few words with Bethel coach Jeff Westlund who was sitting at the scoring table in some NCAA regional host capacity. My guess is that he probably told Westie – "if this is the physical style of basketball you all play up here in the MIAC, you can forget about starting up that home and away series." 

Wheaton's Tyler Peters has had better days on a basketball court but obviously he's a big time talent. 4-7 FGA, 2-3 FTA, 10 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals.  He had a couple of very nice scoring drives when he beat his defender with his left–hand to the cup and finished with his left hand. Brayden Teuscher was also a very effective slasher and led Wheaton with 16 pts. In a surprise to me, forward Peter Smith was able to keep Wheaton in the game with some timely 3 pointers in the 2nd half.

Based on the advance scouting report on Calvin College, I'm guessing the Tommies will be prepared for more bigs stepping out hitting treys.

People talk about the UST press which is tough, but one thing that frequently gets overlooked is their smothering, physical half-court defense. Players keep continual pressure on the ball & are constantly jumping out in the passing lanes, yet are quick enough to recover to their man. Wheaton had 21 TOS and if I was to venture a guess, I would say over 2/3s of those TOs came in their half court sets. The relatively small, but tough guard trio of 6—1 Eric Tengwall, 6-0 Will DeBerg, and 6-0 Marcus Alipate were able to effectively hound and harass 6-4 Wheaton star Tyler Peters into 8 TOs.

Defensively, Wheaton did a good job of taking the Tommies' 3-ball away, 2-8 3FGA.  The only treys UST hit on the day were a couple of nice bonus shots made by FY Taylor Montero. He looks like he's an old school type of rookie who quietly goes about his way & lets the upperclassmen lead the way.  Since the 3-ball wasn't there, UST spread the floor & keep driving to the rack & challenging Wheaton for the contested layup, or the drive, reverse the ball,  quick ball reversal again to Tommy Hannon who did a masterful job of sealing his man & getting the lob pass to convert a layup.

This was a tough, hard-nosed ball game. This was also the first time I've actually felt this team could potentially rival those recent Tommie teams from the past 5 years. Nice combination of good coaching, athletes, depth, skills, resilience, & will to win. In our winter of basketball discontent, the Tommies are a joy to watch.

I'm sure he was more complaining about the brutal officiating for both sides with all those fouls. CCIW is just as physical as the MIAC or any other conference in the country, just watch Augustana play some time.

My comment about the physical style of play that you singled out was definitely tongue in cheek.  This is why I included the wink emoticon. And yes, the officiating was to use your words – "brutal" at times.  CCIW, WIAC, & even the lowly MIAC    can & do play a physical style of basketball. 

I've now seen Wheaton play 2.5 times in the last year, & in 2011 I saw Illinois Wesleyan play at UST during the NCAAs. Via a webcast, later that spring I watched UST play, & dismantle an extremely large, & physical Augustana team in Rock Island on their way to the national championship. I also watched the IWU & North Central webcast a few weeks ago that NCC won in OT, so I've got a passing knowledge of how the top teams in these leagues play. 

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

A friend said to me postgame Saturday- "I came to watch UST hoops and was treated to BIg 10 ball instead." After watching the game, the first thing I did when i got home was check the CCIW league site to see if they have varsity rugby, becuase as physical as Wheaton was (and Augustana and IL Wes in 2011), I was convinced they were rugby players disguised as hoopsters    (KIDDING Blue_Jay)

UST ran its all-time NCAA record vs schools from ILL to 6-0 by playing the kind of game I worried they didnt have in them- a brutal physical brawl-game. It was hard fought, scrappy and at times thuggish (by both teams), mainly due to horribly slack and confused officals (they were equaly bad both directions and flat out stunk). UST gave the physical style as well as they took it, something I was concerned about as they'd been able to get by all season on finese, athleticism and quickness. Glad to see them push back and push harder!

Wheaton only had 2 seniors and I fully expct the Thunder to be a top 10 team in 2013-14.

After crushing the Wheaties, UST must now prep for Calvin&Hobbes.....as DP pointed out, Calvin looks ot be more of the same hardhitting play. I'm predicting UST by a dozen, 75-63.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Its an MIAC sweep of the West Region honors:
http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2012-13/west-men

Congrats to Coach of the year, UST's John Tauer!!! Also kudos to player of the year Taylor Hall of Bethel and Freshman of the Year Brett Rasmussen from Augsburg. Hall and Scott Theisen made First Team All-Region and UST's Tommy Hannon and Augsburg's Dan Kornbaum were named to the 2nd Team!! WELL DONE!

[ron doney]

Calvin has hit some deep 3s.  No lead is safe.