MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[AO]

By the way AO, the Gusties did lose an in-region game to UW-Lax earlier this season.

I didn't say they didn't.  The gusties are 10-1 in region with their only loss to #24 lacrosse (though likely to drop-out of the rankings after a loss to river falls last night)  Pool C hopes are up for the MIAC this year as I previously stated, 08-09 non-conference in-region record was 23-17, this year it's 29-14 pushing the winning percentage from .575 to .674.

[Nites]

Anyone know why Pedredtti didn't play for the Tommies last night?

[Willy Wonka]

Anyone know why Pedredtti didn't play for the Tommies last night?

He wasn't suited up. I heard he was hurt, but I'm not sure with what...

[TommieHoops4Life]

I saw Gustavus play at Carleton last year and Hanson was in one of the official's ears the entire game. I think to some degree every coach in the MIAC barks at officials to defend their players in certain situations, and that night the refs weren't having the greatest games either. Fritz and Hanson do their fair share, and Koz can definitely get heated.

Wonka,
Is it possible that the Tommies just had a random night where a lot of things didn't go right in their execution? They've lost twice this year in 13 tries and beat a Division II school, so maybe your Gusties just had a night where they played really well and UST didn't match it. I'm hardly concerned about it becoming a trend. Nicolai has played lights out basketball of late and you still find a way to bash him, wow.

I hope I never see the refs that did the Gophers game last night again. They were absolutely terrible in the first half and I only didn't notice them in the second half because the U couldn't execute anyway so it didn't matter. Blake Hoffarber is the most over-rated player I've ever seen, made absolutely zero effort to get open looks. Learn how to create your own shot and get back to me. Westbrook leads my "there isn't a shot he doesn't like" category and plays little defense. He's a joke if he thinks he has a future professionally. Nolen is a mediocre point guard and dribbles into double teams and corners like we're told not to in second grade. Damian Johnson is the only player worth a lick out there when the Gophs are playing a ranked team. Since when did an offense become one guy dribbling and the four others standing around with their thumbs up their rears? Tubby has some work to do without White and Mbakwe.

[Willy Wonka]

I saw Gustavus play at Carleton last year and Hanson was in one of the official's ears the entire game. I think to some degree every coach in the MIAC barks at officials to defend their players in certain situations, and that night the refs weren't having the greatest games either. Fritz and Hanson do their fair share, and Koz can definitely get heated.

Putting Hanson on par with Koz or Smith in terms of complaining to officials is ludicrous. It's a waste of online ink.

As an aside, does anyone else know how many techs St. Olaf's second assistant women's coach has this year? I can't verify this claim, but I believe he's Ludding both leagues

Wonka,
Is it possible that the Tommies just had a random night where a lot of things didn't go right in their execution? They've lost twice this year in 13 tries and beat a Division II school, so maybe your Gusties just had a night where they played really well and UST didn't match it. I'm hardly concerned about it becoming a trend. Nicolai has played lights out basketball of late and you still find a way to bash him, wow.

I've seen the Tommies play twice in person this year. Once was a sloppy victory when they blocked three shots in the final 10 seconds to earn a tight win and the other was last night. How many times have you seen them play, TH4L?

Plain and simple, that offense is just a mess if it can't generate points off turnovers. The reigning MIAC MVP, who Uncle Sid said could be a star for the Gophs, is currently 21st in the league in scoring and might not even be an all-conference player right now (38% shooter). At the very least, he's certainly NOT in the discussion for a repeat MVP. Your PG has largely been moved off the ball as a third-year starter because he doesn't pass. And your posts...yuck. And the sneaky stat of 68% at the free throw line means they're throwing away a good chunk of easy points that could prove costly down the line.

As I said about Hamline about a week ago, the Tommies hadn't really been tested too much in conference play prior to last night. The three teams most likely to dethrone them, outside of an Augsburg team I like as a second-half sleeper, are all at the back end of the schedule. The fact that they struggled with Carleton and St. Mary's before they lost to GAC should be a little concerning with SJU and Hamline looming in the next two games.

UST still has the most talent in the league and an awesome defense...but it's also got some major issues to work out if it expects to meet the lofty expectations that recent years have created. And I'm not the only way saying this, big boy.

[huhoops]

Anyone know why Pedredtti didn't play for the Tommies last night?

He wasn't suited up. I heard he was hurt, but I'm not sure with what...

He got banged up against SMU on Monday night in the first half and didn't play the last 25-30 minutes of the game. I saw him limping on it pretty good that night, so I'm sure they're playing it safe and making sure he's healthy for the rematch  

I saw Gustavus play at Carleton last year and Hanson was in one of the official's ears the entire game. I think to some degree every coach in the MIAC barks at officials to defend their players in certain situations, and that night the refs weren't having the greatest games either. Fritz and Hanson do their fair share, and Koz can definitely get heated.

TH4L is right that coaches complaining is totally situational, and hopefully, somewhat tactful. In reference to the HU/SJU game last night, I don't think either coach was holding back much as far as speaking their minds to the referees. It just happened to be a game with a lot of 50/50 balls and subjective calls that could have gone either way. Objectively, I thought the officials actually did a pretty good job keeping the game from getting out of hand.

IMO coaches need to stay in the refs' ears to keep them honest. You see so many times where a referee will miss a call (or make a bad call), catch an earful from a coach, and make an equally bad call for that team on the other end. Smitty has been around a lot of years and it would be naive to think that he doesn't know what he's doing when he gets after the officials.

Wonka,
Is it possible that the Tommies just had a random night where a lot of things didn't go right in their execution? They've lost twice this year in 13 tries and beat a Division II school, so maybe your Gusties just had a night where they played really well and UST didn't match it. I'm hardly concerned about it becoming a trend. Nicolai has played lights out basketball of late and you still find a way to bash him, wow.

I have also seen UST twice this year and saw GAC against HU. In my limited exposure to each group, I think GAC is playing much better basketball at this point than UST (or anyone in the conference for that matter). They play as a team and get the shots that they want to take. Everyone knows what those shots are and everyone on the floor works to get them. As has been stated, it's not pretty, but it works.

UST seems to be having some issues with the identity of their offense. Personally, I'm fine with Nicolai being a score first guard, but then you need someone else (preferably multiple people) creating opportunities for their teammates. If you look at their rotation, who in that group is looking to facilitate the entire group? With an offense like UST's that has continual screens and cuts going on, in order for it to be fully effective, you need people who can diagnose a defense and find an open shooter/post/etc...This could be as simple as a lack of senior leadership.

I'm interested to see how Saturday plays out for UST/SJU. The second best scoring offense in SJU (71.9ppg) against the best scoring defense in UST (56.8ppg). Also SJU is shooting the best FG% in the conference at 49.7% while UST is holding teams to a conference best 40% from the floor. Both teams are similar in the rebounding battle. The turnover margin will play a huge factor in this game and it will be fun to see how SJU handles the UST pressure. Burns can get a little bit antsy with his passes at times which could hurt the Johnnies but if he can break through that first set of traps, it could mean a lot of open threes in transition for a great perimeter shooting team.

Last note...I'm not sure who will match up with Burtzel, but UST is going to have some major match up issues with SJU. The only guy that could match up with him is Archer, but then you leave Eicher and papa's guy Halvorsen to guard Barmore (which shouldn't be a problem) or Latzke (which could be a MAJOR problem). I'll say right now, if UST tries to match Burtzel with one of their bigs, we just may see another triple double out of the Rocori native. He's too quick/athletic and has a motor that I don't think those guys can keep up with. (Ervin would actually be a good bet to match up with Burtzel when he's in, now that I think about it.)

[papahoops]

Penalty flag has been thrown at HU for piling on. Earlier today, Willy brings up my unfortunate prediction regarding Halvorsen's offensive output MONTHS ago and now you refer to him as "papa's guy" HU.  I have been pretty positive about Hamline this year and deserve better from you HU

I wish I had one of those gadgets from Men in Black to remove the memories of those who read that post. Lest anyone think this will deter me from making future bold (and possibly inaccurate) predictions, do not worry Papa will live for another day

By the way, I'm sure many of you are concerned about Mose's mental state after last evening's events. I was able to provide consolation on the ride home from St. Peter and his condition is "satisfactory".
He was understandably initially depressed but the looming matchup with SJU and VOJ will no doubt pick up his spirits I do k now this....I will not be allowed to sit next to him again for a while since my seating location brought hiim bad karma last evening

[Drake Palmer]

By the way, I'm sure many of you are concerned about Mose's mental state after last evening's events. I was able to provide consolation on the ride home from St. Peter and his condition is "satisfactory".

He was understandably initially depressed but the looming matchup with SJU and VOJ will no doubt pick up his spirits I do k now this....I will not be allowed to sit next to him again for a while since my seating location brought hiim bad karma last evening

Good humor.    What's the terminology medical staff use? "The patient's condition seems to have stabilized and his vital signs are returning to normal."

Also, speaking of words, the word of the day seems to be: "Looming." I think it was used 4 or 5 times.

 

[huhoops]

Penalty flag has been thrown at HU for piling on. Earlier today, Willy brings up my unfortunate prediction regarding Halvorsen's offensive output MONTHS ago and now you refer to him as "papa's guy" HU.  I have been pretty positive about Hamline this year and deserve better from you HU

I wish I had one of those gadgets from Men in Black to remove the memories of those who read that post. Lest anyone think this will deter me from making future bold (and possibly inaccurate) predictions, do not worry Papa will live for another day

By the way, I'm sure many of you are concerned about Mose's mental state after last evening's events. I was able to provide consolation on the ride home from St. Peter and his condition is "satisfactory".
He was understandably initially depressed but the looming matchup with SJU and VOJ will no doubt pick up his spirits I do k now this....I will not be allowed to sit next to him again for a while since my seating location brought hiim bad karma last evening

   Sorry, papa. As VOJ said about referees calls, all of the bad calls will even out over the course of the season  

I wear my flag with honor

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

By the way, I'm sure many of you are concerned about Mose's mental state after last evening's events. I was able to provide consolation on the ride home from St. Peter and his condition is "satisfactory".

He was understandably initially depressed but the looming matchup with SJU and VOJ will no doubt pick up his spirits I do k now this....I will not be allowed to sit next to him again for a while since my seating location brought hiim bad karma last evening

Good humor.    What's the terminology medical staff use? "The patient's condition seems to have stabilized and his vital signs are returning to normal."

The patient is fine.  No depression, no suicide watch, no hospitalization. Nothing like eating a platter of cold crow for lunch to cure any doldrums.

Last night's game at GAC was easily one of the finest MIAC games I've ever witnessed. It was an incredible atmosphere, and a brilliantly designed gameplan by GAC that was perfectly executed. Both teams played with amazing hustle, drive and effort. Seth Anderson was utterly amazing and fun to watch. Kudos to GAC.

As I remember the last time UST hosted USJ after a tough loss by the Tommies, I belive it was the worst loss USJ suffered under Smith... am I correct, VOJ? I assume you remember that game

DP-- the orchestra??? Puh-leez...that's as lame as PI's Whalen fantasies     

[columbianmaffia]

Blake Hoffarber is the most over-rated player I've ever seen

i understand the frusteration of him not having the ability to create his own shot but i dont understand how he is overrated?  he isnt known as a player who can take guys off the dribble, play lock down defense, or fill up the stats sheet with rebounds (WW's fav), steals and assists....he doesnt do anything but shoot the 3 ball (if any announcers or media members tell you differently they arent doing their job or shouldnt have a job because they clearly dont know anything) and when he does get open and shoot it i cant think of too many other players in all of college basketball i would rather have launch it up.

very one dimensional player (WW's favorite type of player  )...yes...overrated...i disagree with

[Buddo]

Hmm... what does the playoff picture look like now?

[Nites]

Anyone know why Pedredtti didn't play for the Tommies last night?

He wasn't suited up. I heard he was hurt, but I'm not sure with what...

He got banged up against SMU on Monday night in the first half and didn't play the last 25-30 minutes of the game. I saw him limping on it pretty good that night, so I'm sure they're playing it safe and making sure he's healthy for the rematch  

Thanks, WW and Hoops. 

Off Topic

Any predictions on the Vikings - Cowboys matchup on Sunday?

[Willy Wonka]

Surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet...but I'll cross party lines and be the first. Remember this when you accuse me of bias down the road, MIAC fans

Did anyone see what happened when Crowder crossed paths with a Tommie guard (Leslie?) near the scorers table after a timeout had been called? All I saw was a Tommie on the ground with Crowder walking away as the UST fans/bench complained...

Given Crowder's storied past with the Tommies — recall the two-fingered salute last year — do I have reason to suspect the worst? It looked like it could have been pretty bad...but a part of me also wonders if Leslie has simply been a devoted student at Viau's School of Flopping.

[VOJ]

I saw Gustavus play at Carleton last year and Hanson was in one of the official's ears the entire game. I think to some degree every coach in the MIAC barks at officials to defend their players in certain situations, and that night the refs weren't having the greatest games either. Fritz and Hanson do their fair share, and Koz can definitely get heated.

Putting Hanson on par with Koz or Smith in terms of complaining to officials is ludicrous. It's a waste of online ink.

As an aside, does anyone else know how many techs St. Olaf's second assistant women's coach has this year? I can't verify this claim, but I believe he's Ludding both leagues

[

This is getting scary but I have to back WW...having been a part of more than a few GAC-SJU matchups including some spirited playoff matchups during the Bigalke days,  I have not seen Hanson say much to an official, yes he makes comments but most of the time he is coaching his team...in fact in a recent game against MAC, a friend who officiates in the MIAC said he did not say one word the whole night...obviously it was a blowout but just the same usually something is exchanged. 

By the way, I'm sure many of you are concerned about Mose's mental state after last evening's events. I was able to provide consolation on the ride home from St. Peter and his condition is "satisfactory".

He was understandably initially depressed but the looming matchup with SJU and VOJ will no doubt pick up his spirits I do k now this....I will not be allowed to sit next to him again for a while since my seating location brought hiim bad karma last evening

Good humor.    What's the terminology medical staff use? "The patient's condition seems to have stabilized and his vital signs are returning to normal."

The patient is fine.  No depression, no suicide watch, no hospitalization. Nothing like eating a platter of cold crow for lunch to cure any doldrums.

Last night's game at GAC was easily one of the finest MIAC games I've ever witnessed. It was an incredible atmosphere, and a brilliantly designed gameplan by GAC that was perfectly executed. Both teams played with amazing hustle, drive and effort. Seth Anderson was utterly amazing and fun to watch. Kudos to GAC.

As I remember the last time UST hosted USJ after a tough loss by the Tommies, I belive it was the worst loss USJ suffered under Smith... am I correct, VOJ? I assume you remember that game

DP-- the orchestra??? Puh-leez...that's as lame as PI's Whalen fantasies     

Actually I just picked up a new product, its called a Halvorsonater...and it erases really bad memories and fills your mind with good ones, like the Bigalke led thrashing in the MIAC tournament tilt his junior year...or the regular season game his senior year where the TOmmy fans in respectful tones were riding Bigalke and he calmly drilled two 3's in a row and turned to them and said, "that's why I am the MIAC MVP"

I hope the Johnnies come out and seize the moment...play with the passion they showed in road wins at St. Olaf and St. Mary's...I know its a step up in competition but being strong mentally is key.

Maniac why are you picking on a guy who is showing he is well-rounded or has a date, or maybe has been hired to escort an elderly woman for the evening? 

Blake Hoffarber is the most over-rated player I've ever seen

i understand the frusteration of him not having the ability to create his own shot but i dont understand how he is overrated?  he isnt known as a player who can take guys off the dribble, play lock down defense, or fill up the stats sheet with rebounds (WW's fav), steals and assists....he doesnt do anything but shoot the 3 ball (if any announcers or media members tell you differently they arent doing their job or shouldnt have a job because they clearly dont know anything) and when he does get open and shoot it i cant think of too many other players in all of college basketball i would rather have launch it up.

very one dimensional player (WW's favorite type of player  )...yes...overrated...i disagree with

So much to respond to...CMob is spot on with his analysis...if screens and not held or this shot is not on, then Hoffarber will struggle....Tubby did not bring him in to be block around which his program his built, he has special skills, he is a zone buster and provides scoring from the perimeter...let's not forget he has hit his share of big shots in his Gopher career...you guys might need to face facts about Minnesota, they might be the 5th best team in the Big 10, around .500 in conference play, good enough to beat the lower rung teams but not good enough to take down anyone who could do anything in the NCAA's.  By the way tomorrow night's Badger-Buckeye game in C-bus should be awesome with a capital A...Badgers beat them earlier this year like a drum but that was with Evan Turner sidelined.