MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[SaintPaulite]

He also didn't allow anytime for an offensive rebound and put back. I'm really splitting hairs though, cause like you said, Coplin should be taking the shot unless he is getting hounded by two oles... which raises the question, why not run a second defender at Coplin to get the ball out of his hands?

That sounds great, but it's such an easy pass if you do that and it's not like Augsburg doesn't have anyone else that can score. That said, I think Elmhurst did do that to Francis a few times mainly on the baseline and corners tonight.

And it's not like Coplin can't just rise up over 2 as easily as 1 there. STO doesn't have anyone that can go up with him.

[Drake Palmer]

The feats of Augsburg's favorite baller has even attracted the attention of the sports department at WCCO https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/02/19/nationally-ranked-augsburg-basketballer-booker-colpin-also-does-the-teams-laundry/

[Smitty Oom]

Right, there are ways to beat every defense, I'm not saying running a second defender is a fool proof plan. You said it yourself, and I agree with you, that Auggies wanted Coplin taking the shot. So in turn, the Oles wanted anyone but him shooting it at the end there. All in all, I just think there is a better chance at getting the ball out of his hands and inducing chaos/disturbing the peace if you try to double team him compared to if you just go 1-on-1 with Coplin. I mean this dude just dropped 76 points (a combined 15/27 from 3 in these two games) on your team in a 4-day/2-game span and we are just going to let him go one-on-one with the season on the line?

I will say that watching the play a couple times it looks like that Albers (on the right wing in front of the Auggie bench) is inching his way and learning towards Coplin, but doesn't fully run after him until Coplin has already started his shooting motion, which is too late for his 'closeout' to matter.

Lastly, Drake and Saintpaulite, I was talking to my buddy tonight and he mentioned the same quote from Booker Coplin in the post game interview about the last possession. I shouldn't be one to judge the shot, its your best dude making a play to win the game. I still think it would have been best to shoot it a little earlier and allow for a possible o-board but I'll let that slide for now! 

[OldAuggie]

One more look at The Shot for you guys that know what you are talking about.

https://www.facebook.com/247177415401830/posts/2052678768185010/

The big man Duncan (?) goes directly to the Ole student section to quiet them down. The Ole students were on Booker all night so they deserved that visit.

[Drake Palmer]

One more look at The Shot for you guys that know what you are talking about.

https://www.facebook.com/247177415401830/posts/2052678768185010/

The big man Duncan (?) goes directly to the Ole student section to quiet them down. The Ole students were on Booker all night so they deserved that visit.

I love it!  Thanks OA for posting this video.  Is it Thursday yet?

Smitty, after seeing this clip again, I understand your line of reasoning but I might understand what both coaches were thinking.  I'm sure you're aware of the old basketball axiom  – "it's not the help, but the recovery that kills you." Coach Griess and Coach Kosmoski both knew that the Auggies were quicker than the fundamentally sound, but slower Ole team.  So Coach Kozmoski decided to play the best defensive percentages for his Ole team. Deny the driving lanes, prevent the cheap shooting foul, and keep Coplin outside the circle to shoot a lower percentage shot, and not foul.

Coach Griess anticipated this move from Coach Koz, and told Coplin stay out at the top of the key and hold the ball until 6-7 seconds left on the clock.  At that point the Auggies sent McKiernan (?) from the right wing to the left baseline to draw a defender. Right after that, Booker makes his move, and Korba comes out a split second too late to contest the shot. And notice how wide open McKiernan is over in the corner!  A quicker team like the Tommies (GT Johnson) might have been able to run two guys at Coplin and successfully recovered, but not the Oles.  IMO, both teams played the right percentages for their respective teams, and the better offensive player beat the defensive player. 

I do agree, I would have started the final sequence with a little more time left on the clock.  But still, stone cold bucket!

[AO]

It was another big night for Freddie Gillespie in Ames last night, 14pts (7-8 from the floor) 10 boards, 2 blocks and a win over the #19 Cyclones.  Freddie had a big cheering section that included his Carleton teammates to see his best game yet. 

The victory celebration looks like it might have gotten a little out of hand....https://twitter.com/BaylorMBB/status/1098074138164559874

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The third public NCAA Division III regional rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/men-regional-rankings-third

[Drake Palmer]

Anyone else getting the spinning wheel of death on the SJU webcast??  Hmmptt.

I've got UWO -UWSP, and NebWes going and no problems with those webcasts!

[Drake Palmer]

Well, got the SJu webcast, but the color commentator leaves a bit to be desired. 

[Drake Palmer]

Ok ,tone down it a bit Mom. Looks like I'll have to mute this game.

[Retired Old Rat]

Johnnies dismantle Bethel 82-49. Who saw that coming?

Go Augies!  Augsburg up 46-32 at the half over Tommies.

[Smitty Oom]

I believe txg said this earlier, but how did Augsburg lose any games this year? They look unstoppable tonight at the Shoe. Team is spewing with confidence in face of the purple, as most Augsburg teams usually are. Coplin with a solid half but the “side kicks” were the real difference maker. Martin Mitchell, Carter Duncan had some huge plays off the bench and Carik finally looks back to 100%.

Losses to MAC and Cord hurt for the Auggies, this is a NCAA caliber team.

In my opinion, St John’s is pretty clearly the best MIAC team.

[Retired Old Rat]

Is UST out if they lose to Augie tonight?

[Retired Old Rat]

I wish Colplin would stick with the white headband. Makes it a lot easier to pick him out on the small screen.

[Gregory Sager]

Is UST out if they lose to Augie tonight?

No. The Tommies are a mortal lock for a Pool C berth.