MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[AO]

I assume you mean the 2016 national Camps (the 2015 post-season has been purged from my memory but I am certain AO can give you a second by second account of why I've blocked it from my memory  )

But your point about getting a good draw is spot-on. It was a huge factor in UST's 2011 championship as well as 2016, and also for 2013's third place team. It also is a huge factor in why the 2008-09 team, (UST's best ever IMO) did not make the Final Four-- that was the year of the Bracket of Death, I think the need for a good draw plays in for any and all teams, whether it is D3 or D1 but for teams on the cusp of "great" (UST & SJ2) it is bigger than those in the "great" category that you mention.  Bracket draw will be huge for Augsburg should they make the Dance field (and I am saying now they will, along with UST & SJ).

It's funny how the losses stick with you longer than the wins. The clock issue on the last play in regulation Monday made me think about that great 2011 first round game where we got a 10 second violation after 6 seconds because the ref looked up and saw the shot clock said 24 since it wasn't properly reset after the previous possession.

[Smitty Oom]

Unfortunately Augsburg would need to have a very good end of the season in order to make the tourney at this point. They don't have a very good non-conference schedule and has not had a quality win really up to this point.

http://www.fantastic50.net/d3h_conf_MIAC.html

This is fantastic 50's landing page for the MIAC, he has Augsburg at only a 6% chance at a pool C bid. He is very good at using past results to predict future results, but he would say this is only an estimate. Definitely possible they get in come March, but a long shot at this point and would need to play lights out from here on out.

Lastly, on the MVP note, it is the same discussion as what the CCIW faithful have been discussing for their MVP. Two very deserving candidates, Nolan Ebel, PG and main cog of #2 Augustana who has been cruising through one of the toughest conferences in the nation. Aston Francis is the other candidate, who has even better counting stats than Coplin albeit on less effecient shooting, for a good not great Wheaton team where he makes everything go. Augsburg asks Coplin to do a lot more than what SJU asks of Stokman. Stokman doesn't really need to put up Coplin type numbers since the has more help and they usually don't need to play him 40 minutes, such as tonight when they are up by 20 at halftime. It is quite the exercise and debate, as I am sure there are people who think Stokman is deserving, but the way I see it Coplin is more valuable to Augsburg than Stokman is to SJU.

[txg]

The Tommies have staked their claim to the throne of the MIAC once again.  It will be tough, but not impossible, for the Johnnies to catch them.  The Johnnies are still the second best team, with Augsburg next and then Olaf and Bethel in some order next.   Final playoff spot comes down to Hamline and Concordia, with Carleton and Gustavus needing a push to get into the mix.

There is a very real chance that St. Olaf misses the playoffs.  They have St. Mary's at home to get them to nine wins.  Last six:  @CON, BET, STT, STJ, @HAM, @AUG.  Where do the wins come from?  The way they played in the first half at Gustavus they wouldn't win any of those games, or even come close.

[bball1122]

The Tommies have staked their claim to the throne of the MIAC once again.  It will be tough, but not impossible, for the Johnnies to catch them.  The Johnnies are still the second best team, with Augsburg next and then Olaf and Bethel in some order next.   Final playoff spot comes down to Hamline and Concordia, with Carleton and Gustavus needing a push to get into the mix.

There is a very real chance that St. Olaf misses the playoffs.  They have St. Mary's at home to get them to nine wins.  Last six:  @CON, BET, STT, STJ, @HAM, @AUG.  Where do the wins come from?  The way they played in the first half at Gustavus they wouldn't win any of those games, or even come close.

I agree it's brutal, but I think 9 gets in this year.  Honestly, I think 8 will probably do it.   

I'm giving Olaf 9 as a worst case scenario.  Here's how I see the rest of the group fighting for the final spot(s) finishing:

Hamline:

SJU -     L
@GAC - W
UST -    L
SMU -   W
@CAR - L
STO -   W
BET - L

9-11

Concordia:

AUG -   L
STO -   W
@MAC - W
SJU-      L
@BET-   L
@CAR-   L
GAC-     W

8-12

Gustavus
@SMU-   W
HAM-      L
CAR-      W   
UST-      L
@AUG-   L
BET-       L
@CORD-  L

7-13

Carleton

UST    -  L
AUG   -  L
@GAC - L
MAC  -   W
HAM  -   W
CORD -   W
@SJU -   L

7-13


In this case, 9-11 Olaf and Hamline get the final two spots.   I don't see two teams other than Olaf getting to nine.    I think they're fine.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Suddenly the end of January is upon us! Where has the season gone? We are past the halfway point, conference action is now in it's second go-around (for most), and the matter of regional rankings and conference tournaments is becoming more real.

Teams who have had unbelievable starts, but have not faltered, are now in the spotlight. The question is no longer "can they keep this up?" But rather, the question has become, "how did they get this good?" Tonight, we ask versions of that last question.

Thursday on Hoopsville, We will hear from St. Thomas who hasn't been the MIAC dominator the last few years, but is back on top in a far more competitive conference. Oswego men have already knocked the SUNYAC boss, Plattsburgh off the pedestal. And Southern Virginia women have startled the entire conference. We find out how a first-year coach with no Division III experience has shocked everyone.

Plus, we chat with Oberlin's women's coach who has not only preached diversity, but created an environment for his program and the conference that reiterates open and safe environments. It has also thrust the team high into the NCAC race.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. Thursday's edition will air live starting at 7:00 p.m. ET here: http://bit.ly/2FXlhXN (or via Facebook Live and Periscope simulcasts).

If you have questions about Division III basketball, feel free to send them and we will answer them on a the show. Email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com or use any of the social media below.

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- John Tauer, No. 7 St. Thomas men's coach
- Jason Leone, Oswego State men's coach
- Kerry Jenkins, Oberlin women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Matt Wardenburg, Southern Virginia women's coach
- James Wagner, CSAC Assistant Commissioner (NCAA Convention report)

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts, choose your favorite avenue to listen and/or subscribe via the the following four avenues (click on the images when necessary):
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville




Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

[Smitty Oom]

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- John Tauer, No. 7 St. Thomas men's coach
- Jason Leone, Oswego State men's coach
- Kerry Jenkins, Oberlin women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Matt Wardenburg, Southern Virginia women's coach
- James Wagner, CSAC Assistant Commissioner (NCAA Convention report)

Always a good interview from John... excited to listen. Pat McKenzie was good on the show earlier this year as well!

[Smitty Oom]

The Tommies have staked their claim to the throne of the MIAC once again.  It will be tough, but not impossible, for the Johnnies to catch them.  The Johnnies are still the second best team, with Augsburg next and then Olaf and Bethel in some order next.   Final playoff spot comes down to Hamline and Concordia, with Carleton and Gustavus needing a push to get into the mix.

There is a very real chance that St. Olaf misses the playoffs.  They have St. Mary's at home to get them to nine wins.  Last six:  @CON, BET, STT, STJ, @HAM, @AUG.  Where do the wins come from?  The way they played in the first half at Gustavus they wouldn't win any of those games, or even come close.

I agree it's brutal, but I think 9 gets in this year.  Honestly, I think 8 will probably do it.   

I'm giving Olaf 9 as a worst case scenario.  Here's how I see the rest of the group fighting for the final spot(s) finishing:

Hamline:

SJU -     L
@GAC - W
UST -    L
SMU -   W
@CAR - L
STO -   W
BET - L

9-11

Concordia:

AUG -   L
STO -   W
@MAC - W
SJU-      L
@BET-   L
@CAR-   L
GAC-     W

8-12

Gustavus
@SMU-   W
HAM-      L
CAR-      W   
UST-      L
@AUG-   L
BET-       L
@CORD-  L

7-13

Carleton

UST    -  L
AUG   -  L
@GAC - L
MAC  -   W
HAM  -   W
CORD -   W
@SJU -   L

7-13


In this case, 9-11 Olaf and Hamline get the final two spots.   I don't see two teams other than Olaf getting to nine.    I think they're fine.

Although I agree with most, if not all, of these outcomes you predicted, the middle tier of the MIAC this year is all so similar. It will make for some entertaining games and fascinating results. All these teams in the middle tier, from Olaf to Concordia, will need to bring their A game from here on out.

I am planning to take "Hopefans Standings" idea and apply to the MIAC thus far at some point this weekend. So stay tuned!

**PS: Check the SLIAC board in the Central Region for more info on the "Hopefan standings"

[bball1122]

Completely agree.   Teams 4-9 don't have much separating them at all.  If any of them can pull off an upset or two, it will most likely vault them into the playoffs.   And of course, they must beat the bottom two teams.   I think MAC still has a win in them this year.  Of course, I'm also the one who said Concordia could be a trap game for the Tommies. 

On to Saturday's games.   The Tommies head to West Gym to face the Knights.  Can they avoid the same fate as the Johnnies last weekend?  SJU heads to Snelling and Hewitt to face the Pipers.   Hamline has played the Johnnies well in recent years, but the Johnnies had their way with them in Collegeville earlier this season.  The Scots head up Snelling to play Bethel.  I don't have a lot to say.  The Royals should win.  Gustavus traverses southeastern Minnesota to take on the Cardinals.  100 percent must win for the Gusties.  And Augsburg takes the long, cold drive up Interstate 94 to play the Cobbers.  This would be a big one for the Cobbers to get. 


Would be huge wins:
CAR over UST
HAM over SJU
CORD over AUG

Would be bad, bad losses:
SMU over GAC
MAC over BET

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- John Tauer, No. 7 St. Thomas men's coach
- Jason Leone, Oswego State men's coach
- Kerry Jenkins, Oberlin women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Matt Wardenburg, Southern Virginia women's coach
- James Wagner, CSAC Assistant Commissioner (NCAA Convention report)

Always a good interview from John... excited to listen. Pat McKenzie was good on the show earlier this year as well!

Both were good, as always. Enjoyed having both on the show.

[Smitty Oom]

A lot going on elsewhere in the D3 hoops nation, but a pretty cool moment in Moorhead today. Coach grant Hemmingsen, second year head coach for the cobbers, became a dad this morning at 3am. Coach Grant was an Augie basketball player and the wife is a Cobber Alumnus. Later in the day, Auggies vs Cobbers tipped off in Moorhead. Coach Grant always is excited to play against the Auggies, but he wasn't able to be there today due to Father duties. Auggies have been very hot lately behind the back of Booker Coplin. With that said, Concordia has quietly been very hot in the month of Jan and creeping their way up the MIAC standings. Anyways, two huge shots by senior captains, both under 20 seconds, were able to give the Cobbers and the new dad a huge win!

Game tying shot: https://twitter.com/cobbersid/status/1089289749301473281?s=21

Game winning buzzer beater: https://twitter.com/cobbersid/status/1089290864126509056?s=21

Coach Grant's new baby girl: https://twitter.com/coachgrant44/status/1089280880735145985?s=21

[SaintPaulite]

The moment has well passed, but I'm slow and don't check this all that often.

What the 2016 UST team had that set them apart was machine-like efficiency on offense. Two 50-40 shooting guards, another that was pretty good too, and a 60% shooting forward. They didn't turn it over a lot, so between the shooting and that, it was almost impossible to make up ground on them. And they were very good on the boards.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

An amazing win for Concordia and a heck of a great baby-shower gift from the team! Grant missed Wednesday's game at St Thomas to stay close to home in case the stork called  but I think his 2 game absence is excused. 

Another great  moment happened at the opposite end of the state as SMU rallied in the second half and used an 11-1 game-ending run to pull away from Gustavus 79-64 in Winona. Saint Mary's not only snapped its season-high eight-game losing streak, but the Cardinals also completed their first season sweep of the Gusties since the 1979-80 season.

Mac battled hard against Bethel but ran out of gas as the Royals pulled away for the win.  And Hamline gave SJU a scare through the fist 25 minutes before the John's pulled way (no word from Faunch on the officiating or the size of the SJ2 throng that I'm sure packed the gym).

Carleton's shooting was nearly as frigid at the temps outside enabling UST to cruise, leading from wire to wire. With the win, the Tommies mathematically clinched a berth in the upcoming MIAC playoffs.

[Gregory Sager]

A lot going on elsewhere in the D3 hoops nation, but a pretty cool moment in Moorhead today. Coach grant Hemmingsen, second year head coach for the cobbers, became a dad this morning at 3am. Coach Grant was an Augie basketball player and the wife is a Cobber Alumnus.

She'a an alumna, not an alumnus.  Congrats to the coach and to the Cobbers!

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

A lot going on elsewhere in the D3 hoops nation, but a pretty cool moment in Moorhead today. Coach grant Hemmingsen, second year head coach for the cobbers, became a dad this morning at 3am. Coach Grant was an Augie basketball player and the wife is a Cobber Alumnus.

She'a an alumna, not an alumnus.  Congrats to the coach and to the Cobbers!

Every time I see the word "alumna" I get PTSD .. walking to class at my alma mater one more, I saw the following sign get placed into the ground ... "Goucher College Alumna/Alumni House." I cringed. The 1970s grads just weren't going to let go a promise no one knows where they were told (that the school would always stay single sex). Until Wells went co-ed about a decade ago, Goucher was the only college, apparently, in the country with an Alumn/Alumni House. Still does. SMH

[Gregory Sager]

A lot going on elsewhere in the D3 hoops nation, but a pretty cool moment in Moorhead today. Coach grant Hemmingsen, second year head coach for the cobbers, became a dad this morning at 3am. Coach Grant was an Augie basketball player and the wife is a Cobber Alumnus.

She'a an alumna, not an alumnus.  Congrats to the coach and to the Cobbers!

Every time I see the word "alumna" I get PTSD .. walking to class at my alma mater one more, I saw the following sign get placed into the ground ... "Goucher College Alumna/Alumni House." I cringed. The 1970s grads just weren't going to let go a promise no one knows where they were told (that the school would always stay single sex). Until Wells went co-ed about a decade ago, Goucher was the only college, apparently, in the country with an Alumn/Alumni House. Still does. SMH

Well, technically, it should be an Alumnae/Alumni House, since "alumnae" is the plural of "alumna". So you can always hold that over their heads whenever you encounter a Goucher administrator.