MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Chocolate Hoops]

Just saw the score online. It's obvious by picking BU in an upset that I have no clue about picking games  correctly.

A friend just emailed me and said the game was physical and that Madson got pretty frustrated. How did the Laugen kid play? BU has quite a bit of experience at guard, but by the sounds of it, that's a hefty number of turnovers.

Well, that's good for the Tommies.....here's hoping they go deep in the tourney, if not all the way to Salem!

[Drake Palmer]

... 19-0 run for the Tommies in the second half, however, sealed the deal, and UST coasted to victory. Special defensive kudos to Lonnie Robinson and Brady Ervin, who absolutely smothered Madson defensively and took him out of his comfort zone all night. McCoy, Viau, Eicher, and Pelletier also completely neutralized Moberg and Robertson. What many thought should be a Bethel physical advantage in the paint never materialized. After a very so/so first half in which they gave up 6-8 points of a lead, the UST bench returned to form in the second half making a stong contribution to the winning margin.

Don't tell me you're sitting there at home with a satisfied look on your face & a smug, expansive feeling as you're thinking to yourself - "what did I tell everyone about the Tommie bench?"    The UST bench blew open what had been a very tight ball game with a lights out run. A jaw dropping defensive effort in the 2nd half.  Where I was sitting, even Bethel fans were begrudgingly giving UST props. 

I'll follow up tomorrow after I catch up on scores from around the country.

[Pat Coleman]

How did the Laugen kid play?

He got his third foul before halftime and wasn't much of a factor after that.

[TommieFan2012]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

[larry_u]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

Home court is big, but I think you are giving the fans way too much credit.  It was the St. Thomas D that shut Madison down, not the fans chanting airball...

Either way, St Thomas was impressive, and should theoretically be home until Salem if they get that far....

[VOJ]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

Tommie fan...go back and read what some of us wrote...mechanicly and running a game, communication with the coaches, etc, he is a great reff...I have a problem with him officiating games with UST involved.  Get some facts and then come in here, ok?

[VOJ]

Too bad Bethel's guards could not handle the pressure and Madson did not have a game he is capable of having.  Congrats to the Tommies for being perfect against the MIAC...quite an accomplishment.

Now let's see what they can do nationally...will they start with a bye or get a Whitewater or Platteville at home?  Its time to represent the MIAC fellas...

Papa...the reason I projected a low score had to do with a number of factors:  the pressure of the game, the intensity, and the knowledge that each team had of its opponent, there was so much on the line for Bethel I expected a surpreme defensive effort and apparently that happened in the first half, but in the second they were worn down and it also sounds like Laugen was not a factor in the second half.  I think Bethel takes a couple of steps back next year...

[BETHEL34]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

2012...you got to be kidding me.  You don't have a clue what you are talking about.  You obviously have never played basketball in front of a crowd before...as much as you would like to think the fans can get into a players head you are pretty much dead wrong.  It might happen to a young immature player, but never to a player of Madson's ability and maturity level. 

Last night's game was very very physical all night long out on the wings.  The refs were letting a lot of reaching left and right and Lonnie was banging Madson hard all night.  There were multiple stretches throughout the game that Madson was just gassed and you don't see that very often from him.  Lonnie did an amazing job on him on every possessing never taking one off.  Every time Timmy would drive and set up his stop and then turnaround jumper the Tommies would send a double team at him.  Man, Frits really knows how to coach.    Kudos to Lonnie and the Tommies (NOT THE FANS) for pounding on Timmy all night and taking him out of his game.

To the game as a whole it pretty much came down to Bethel not being able to break the press.  It was so frustrating to watch as a Bethel fan.  Sure it is a great press, but come on that many to's is absolutely rediculous and that was the name of the game.  I feel like if that game came down to a half court game Bethel wins that game by 8-10 points.  Bethel's half court play in the last 3 games against the Tommies has been better overall, but then the 20-30 points they give up on TO's gives Tommies the huge edge and eventually the W.  It lets the Tommies play free and relaxed just playing off of instincts when you have 5 or 6 straight fast break layups or dunks.  Every single possession Bethel had to work their butt off to even make it across half court and when they rarely managed to do that you felt like that was a win in itself but yet they hadn't put points up on the scoreboard yet.  Absolutely brutal...
Congrats to a great Career to Madson, Moberg, and Laugen...I look forward to playing in many of men's leagues with you guys. 

My prediction on the Tommies in the NCAA tourney...they will be bounced out in their first or second game.  There are too many teams out there in the tourney that will be able to beat there press and when it comes down to a half court game they will get out manned inside and get beat pretty bad...double digit loss when they go out in their first or second game.  I hope I am wrong and would love to see them win it all, but I just don't see that happening when you have to rely so much on your full court pressure and your 3's to win a game come tourney time.  With all that said though, good luck to the Tommies!  Represent the MIAC proudly!

[wabbit]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

2012...you got to be kidding me.  You don't have a clue what you are talking about.  You obviously have never played basketball in front of a crowd before...as much as you would like to think the fans can get into a players head you are pretty much dead wrong.  It might happen to a young immature player, but never to a player of Madson's ability and maturity level. 

Last night's game was very very physical all night long out on the wings.  The refs were letting a lot of reaching left and right and Lonnie was banging Madson hard all night.  There were multiple stretches throughout the game that Madson was just gassed and you don't see that very often from him.  Lonnie did an amazing job on him on every possessing never taking one off.  Every time Timmy would drive and set up his stop and then turnaround jumper the Tommies would send a double team at him.  Man, Frits really knows how to coach.    Kudos to Lonnie and the Tommies (NOT THE FANS) for pounding on Timmy all night and taking him out of his game.

To the game as a whole it pretty much came down to Bethel not being able to break the press.  It was so frustrating to watch as a Bethel fan.  Sure it is a great press, but come on that many to's is absolutely rediculous and that was the name of the game.  I feel like if that game came down to a half court game Bethel wins that game by 8-10 points.  Bethel's half court play in the last 3 games against the Tommies has been better overall, but then the 20-30 points they give up on TO's gives Tommies the huge edge and eventually the W.  It lets the Tommies play free and relaxed just playing off of instincts when you have 5 or 6 straight fast break layups or dunks.  Every single possession Bethel had to work their butt off to even make it across half court and when they rarely managed to do that you felt like that was a win in itself but yet they hadn't put points up on the scoreboard yet.  Absolutely brutal...Congrats to a great Career to Madson, Moberg, and Laugen...I look forward to playing in many of men's leagues with you guys. 

My prediction on the Tommies in the NCAA tourney...they will be bounced out in their first or second game.  There are too many teams out there in the tourney that will be able to beat there press and when it comes down to a half court game they will get out manned inside and get beat pretty bad...double digit loss when they go out in their first or second game.  I hope I am wrong and would love to see them win it all, but I just don't see that happening when you have to rely so much on your full court pressure and your 3's to win a game come tourney time.  With all that said though, good luck to the Tommies!  Represent the MIAC proudly!

Well stated, Bethel just stuggled to get the ball up court. It was painful. How can Bethel's Bigs get any thing done if you can get them the ball? It appeard to be very physical (I watched on the web). I'm curious to see how St. Thomas does now. I'm brand new to the Miac and D3 so I'm on a steep learning curve.

[sumander]

My prediction on the Tommies in the NCAA tourney...they will be bounced out in their first or second game.  There are too many teams out there in the tourney that will be able to beat there press and when it comes down to a half court game they will get out manned inside and get beat pretty bad...double digit loss when they go out in their first or second game.  I hope I am wrong and would love to see them win it all, but I just don't see that happening when you have to rely so much on your full court pressure and your 3's to win a game come tourney time.  With all that said though, good luck to the Tommies!  Represent the MIAC proudly!

34, wondering how many of those teams you have seen personally?

From a distant observer sounds like a touch of sour grapes!

[TommieFan2012]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

2012...you got to be kidding me.  You don't have a clue what you are talking about.  You obviously have never played basketball in front of a crowd before...as much as you would like to think the fans can get into a players head you are pretty much dead wrong.  It might happen to a young immature player, but never to a player of Madson's ability and maturity level. 

Last night's game was very very physical all night long out on the wings.  The refs were letting a lot of reaching left and right and Lonnie was banging Madson hard all night.  There were multiple stretches throughout the game that Madson was just gassed and you don't see that very often from him.  Lonnie did an amazing job on him on every possessing never taking one off.  Every time Timmy would drive and set up his stop and then turnaround jumper the Tommies would send a double team at him.  Man, Frits really knows how to coach.    Kudos to Lonnie and the Tommies (NOT THE FANS) for pounding on Timmy all night and taking him out of his game.

To the game as a whole it pretty much came down to Bethel not being able to break the press.  It was so frustrating to watch as a Bethel fan.  Sure it is a great press, but come on that many to's is absolutely rediculous and that was the name of the game.  I feel like if that game came down to a half court game Bethel wins that game by 8-10 points.  Bethel's half court play in the last 3 games against the Tommies has been better overall, but then the 20-30 points they give up on TO's gives Tommies the huge edge and eventually the W.  It lets the Tommies play free and relaxed just playing off of instincts when you have 5 or 6 straight fast break layups or dunks.  Every single possession Bethel had to work their butt off to even make it across half court and when they rarely managed to do that you felt like that was a win in itself but yet they hadn't put points up on the scoreboard yet.  Absolutely brutal...
Congrats to a great Career to Madson, Moberg, and Laugen...I look forward to playing in many of men's leagues with you guys. 

My prediction on the Tommies in the NCAA tourney...they will be bounced out in their first or second game.  There are too many teams out there in the tourney that will be able to beat there press and when it comes down to a half court game they will get out manned inside and get beat pretty bad...double digit loss when they go out in their first or second game.  I hope I am wrong and would love to see them win it all, but I just don't see that happening when you have to rely so much on your full court pressure and your 3's to win a game come tourney time.  With all that said though, good luck to the Tommies!  Represent the MIAC proudly!

Whoa, I never said that the fans were the sole reason for madson's play, I just simply said that they got into his head, which in my opinion is true.  Obviously Lonnie is an amazing defender, and is the main reason Madson didn't play to his abbilities.  But I do think that the fans had an affect.  If you disagree, then that's fine.  How can you honestly say Kudos to Lonnie and the Tommies (NOT THE FANS)?  Do you think that home court gives no advantage?

[TommieFan2012]

Tonights game was a display of how much of a factor home court advantage can actually be. BU's free throws were terrible in the second half when they were facing the sea of white.  After Madson threw up that air ball, you could tell that the constant shouts of "air ball" every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game were affecting his play.  Even after he made some great plays, including a 4 point play, the fans did not let up on their shouts to him.  And after Laugen fouled out, the chants of "left right left right.... SIT DOWN!" were priceless.  My 3 highlights of the night: Joe scott on his 2 consecutive fast breaks.  Big Al's huge block! Anders' few dunks, the best of which being one that was negated because of a UST TO, an allyoop from BJ with an insane one hand throwdown.

An interesting tidbit I found out tonight, all of you complaining about Yorky's reffing, he also refs D1, and has 2 games in the big ten tourny this year.  Obviously with these credentials he is qualified as a D3 ref.

Tommie fan...go back and read what some of us wrote...mechanicly and running a game, communication with the coaches, etc, he is a great reff...I have a problem with him officiating games with UST involved.  Get some facts and then come in here, ok?

I know, I realize.  But some people were also asking how oficials were evaluated.  If he has been seen to positively impact UST's play, then why would he be given the opportunity to ref D1? If he is a D1 ref, his evaluations must have been good.  Like I previously said though, I agree that he probably shouldn't be reffing UST games, it wouldn't be hard to find a different ref, but I don't think his reffing has impacted/caused/helped any of UST's wins.

[TommieFan2012]

My prediction on the Tommies in the NCAA tourney...they will be bounced out in their first or second game.  There are too many teams out there in the tourney that will be able to beat there press and when it comes down to a half court game they will get out manned inside and get beat pretty bad...double digit loss when they go out in their first or second game.  I hope I am wrong and would love to see them win it all, but I just don't see that happening when you have to rely so much on your full court pressure and your 3's to win a game come tourney time.  With all that said though, good luck to the Tommies!  Represent the MIAC proudly!

34, wondering how many of those teams you have seen personally?

From a distant observer sounds like a touch of sour grapes!

I'm glad someone said it 

[basketballlover]

It would be great to see St. Thomas go all the way (since they are in the tournament I will cheer for them), but I think they will win a couple games then the inside size of teams will beat them. My prediction is one of the WIAC teams will knock them out.

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

The defensive job done last night by Robinson on Madson in particular but also Scott on Vavra in 2nd half and the press/pressure as a whole totally neutralized Bethel's guard play. Interestingly, BU only took 10 3-point shots, down from their season avg of 15.1. You'd think a team trailing big would shoot MORE 3s not less, but UST's defense prevented them from getting shots off.

Holding Vavra to a late three for his only points in 2nd half after scoring 10 in first half and shutting Madson out for 17+ minutes in the 2nd half is a phenomenal defensive job.

Second half, UST totally neutralized the "BU bigs" --making Moberg and Robertson total non-factors in the final 20 minutes.

A factor that hasn't been mentioned on here was how well UST handled the ball in the 2nd half. They had just THREE TOs in the half- a ridiculously low number.


GREAT crowd, amazing atmosphere in the Shoe. The crowd was a factor, for sure in that UST fed off the energy of the student section. Hopefully, they continue to turn out and be loud & proud