MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[carletonsid]

Carlies win 70-67 over Pipes in St. Paul on the back of a Sutherland triple with 5 seconds left in the game!

Sutherland also goes over 1,000 career points tonight, so a pretty memorable evening. We'll try to get a little video of his 1,000th and the game-winner posted on our website tomorrow morning. Wasn't there, but admit I screamed when he made that three.

Video of Sutherland's 1,000th, big 3 by Tom Sawatke late and Sutherland's game-winner. Apologies on the quality. Hamline's video isn't the best.

[Gacman]

Back from my one month hiatus. Congrats to Sutherland. It's nice to see him stay healthy.

+k on the list Drake.

The second half should be interesting. I think it's clear that GAC, CAR, & UST are the top three teams, and I'm curious to see how the three fall into line at seasons end. With that said, I don't think the conference is going to be won by a team with more than 17 wins.

Then there's the log-jam behind the top three with as many as 6 other teams with a realistic chance at making the playoffs. No one thought SJU or SMU would do this poorly the first time through the schedule. Both of their seasons are on the line in their next two games. SMU plays GAC and BU who has been playing teams tough as of late. If they don't come out with two wins, their season is done. SJU also has a tough next two games with UST and HAM. Their season could very well be done by next week as well.

If this ends up being the case, which I think it will,  then CON, HAM, STO, and AUG will be vying for 3 playoff spots. The difference in who gets in and who doesn't between these four will come down to who suffers a bad loss to a team out of contention.

Let the second half of the conference schedule begin.

[piperinsider]

Anyone wondering how Mr. Wohler is doing? His squad scored 113 last night and only won by six.

http://myprepsplus.ourvarsity.com/schools/school-article-profile.php?Article_ID=2612

I'm sure the Jordan Smith kid is heading somewhere sweet (although he doesn't have a ton of size), but man, would someone in the MIAC be lucky to get this kid. What a stud. Brady Wohler also is a nice little player that I'm sure will be playing D3.

[Drake Palmer]

Back from my one month hiatus. Congrats to Sutherland. It's nice to see him stay healthy.

+k on the list Drake.

The second half should be interesting. I think it's clear that GAC, CAR, & UST are the top three teams, and I'm curious to see how the three fall into line at seasons end. With that said, I don't think the conference is going to be won by a team with more than 17 wins.

Then there's the log-jam behind the top three with as many as 6 other teams with a realistic chance at making the playoffs. No one thought SJU or SMU would do this poorly the first time through the schedule. Both of their seasons are on the line in their next two games. SMU plays GAC and BU who has been playing teams tough as of late. If they don't come out with two wins, their season is done. SJU also has a tough next two games with UST and HAM. Their season could very well be done by next week as well.

If this ends up being the case, which I think it will,  then CON, HAM, STO, and AUG will be vying for 3 playoff spots. The difference in who gets in and who doesn't between these four will come down to who suffers a bad loss to a team out of contention.

Let the second half of the conference schedule begin.

G-man - Good to see you back repping the black & gold. We need somebody on here to argue with Greg Sager about the Gusties' "sea-legs" and carry on the Wonka tradition.   So you don't think the Tommies are going to win the league with one loss eh?  

Of the 3 front runners you mentioned, Carleton, Gustavus, & St. Thomas; I think the most surprising of that group is Carleton.  Two year starting PG, Jr. Blaise Davis didn't return for his junior year, my man J Kong doesn't seem like he's fully recovered from his knee injury, yet somehow Carleton is right back in the thick of things.

IMO, two key factors have allowed Carleton to stay near the top of the league:  the quick development of a talented but erratic, young PG – SO Tommy Sawatzke, & the "whodathunk" emergence of reserve JR Caleb Rosenow as a serviceable D3 post player.  Last year Rosenow averaged 1.2ppg & 1 rebound in less than 5 minutes per game.  This year he's 2nd on the team in scoring averaging 10.2ppg & leads the Knights in rebounding with 5.0rpg.

So as much as I love Seth Jonker's game, with the exception of Jeremy Sutherland, the Knights don't have nearly the talent that Gustavus & UST does.  This is a testament to the players and the Carleton coaching staff.
***
PI- I saw Jordan Smith play a couple of years ago and he's a very smooth player.  He'd look great in a MIAC uniform but you're probably right, I think he might be D2 or a low level D1 bound.  Unless he's got a lot quicker though, I don't think he's a D1 type of player. But very savvy, smart player.

[papahoops]

Back from my one month hiatus. Congrats to Sutherland. It's nice to see him stay healthy.

+k on the list Drake.

The second half should be interesting. I think it's clear that GAC, CAR, & UST are the top three teams, and I'm curious to see how the three fall into line at seasons end. With that said, I don't think the conference is going to be won by a team with more than 17 wins.

Then there's the log-jam behind the top three with as many as 6 other teams with a realistic chance at making the playoffs. No one thought SJU or SMU would do this poorly the first time through the schedule. Both of their seasons are on the line in their next two games. SMU plays GAC and BU who has been playing teams tough as of late. If they don't come out with two wins, their season is done. SJU also has a tough next two games with UST and HAM. Their season could very well be done by next week as well.

If this ends up being the case, which I think it will,  then CON, HAM, STO, and AUG will be vying for 3 playoff spots. The difference in who gets in and who doesn't between these four will come down to who suffers a bad loss to a team out of contention.

Let the second half of the conference schedule begin.

Nice return post G-Man!!  For the most part I agree, although I think Hamline has cleasrly moved to the front of the pack in the #4 spot. I really like the way the way your squad is playing right now and  the rematch with UST in St. Peter should be a barnburner. With UST road games at Carleton and Gustavus in the second half, the possibility of a 3 way tie at the end of the season is looming. UST's perimeter offense seems to be in the doldrems right now, and they need to snap out of it to maintain that top spot.

[Drake Palmer]

Back from my one month hiatus. Congrats to Sutherland. It's nice to see him stay healthy.

+k on the list Drake.

The second half should be interesting. I think it's clear that GAC, CAR, & UST are the top three teams, and I'm curious to see how the three fall into line at seasons end. With that said, I don't think the conference is going to be won by a team with more than 17 wins.

Then there's the log-jam behind the top three with as many as 6 other teams with a realistic chance at making the playoffs. No one thought SJU or SMU would do this poorly the first time through the schedule. Both of their seasons are on the line in their next two games. SMU plays GAC and BU who has been playing teams tough as of late. If they don't come out with two wins, their season is done. SJU also has a tough next two games with UST and HAM. Their season could very well be done by next week as well.

If this ends up being the case, which I think it will,  then CON, HAM, STO, and AUG will be vying for 3 playoff spots. The difference in who gets in and who doesn't between these four will come down to who suffers a bad loss to a team out of contention.

Let the second half of the conference schedule begin.

Nice return post G-Man!!  For the most part I agree, although I think Hamline has cleasrly moved to the front of the pack in the #4 spot. I really like the way the way your squad is playing right now and  the rematch with UST in St. Peter should be a barnburner. With UST road games at Carleton and Gustavus in the second half, the possibility of a 3 way tie at the end of the season is looming. UST's perimeter offense seems to be in the doldrems right now, and they need to snap out of it to maintain that top spot.

Quick observation on the UST- SJU game:

Yesterday the Johnnies did 2 key things on defense that almost let them come away with the upset. Maybe because of Andy Burns first half foul troubles, or because UST's Teddy Archer was turning Chris Schwartz into his own personal sparring partner & abusing him on countless scoring drives to the basket; the Johnnies switched things up in the 2nd half.

One, the Johnnies went to a zone in the 2nd half that sucked all the energy out of the crowd & Tommies.  Their zone helped them avoid what was shaping up to be a major Tommie beatdown ala 2007, 2008. Second, they began to give the Tommies a taste of their own medicine & began to press UST.  This prevented UST from getting up court & beating the slower Johnnies in their half court sets.  As an observer I never had a sense that the final outcome was really in doubt, but I know the Tommie faithful were starting get a little tight under the collar in the closing minutes of the game.

For the Tommies they must believe they can weather most everything thrown at them, but the question becomes can they improve and get better as the season progresses?  They'll need to if they want to be an elite team on the national scene this year.  Heck, they'll need to improve just to win the league & tourney title. On the other hand, the Carletons, GACs & Hamlines of the league, are all getting better. With each passing game they know they're just a hair's breadth away from dethroning the league bullies.  It should be a good second half of basketball.  G-Man might be right - 2-3 league losses might be enough to win the league.

[papahoops]

[

For the Tommies they must believe they can weather most everything thrown at them, but the question becomes can they improve and get better as the season progresses?  They'll need to if they want to be an elite team on the national scene this year.  Heck they'll need to improve just to win the league & tourney title. On the other hand, the Carletons, GACs & Hamlines of the league, are all getting better. With each game they know they're a hair's breadth away from dethroning the league bullies.  It should be a good second half of basketball.  G-Man might be right - 2-3 league losses might be enough to win the league.

[/quote]

Thanks for the UST-SJU game comments Darke. I had to be home at 5:00 PM yesterday, which took attendance at that game out of the equation. I did catch some of the MAC/Bethel game on the web and was obviously disappointed with that outcome. Your (and my) prediction of 3-4 MAC conference wins this year is fading quickly

Your comment on UST's need to improve for confrence/post season success is right on track DP. I thought the Tommies were clearly the best team in the MIAC early in the season (and they obviously are sitting at the top of the standings with only 1 loss), but the way they are playing right now, I think Gustavus, Carleton, and Hamline are right in the mix with them. Tommy Hannon has really improved as the season has progressed, but I can't say the same thing about many others on the squad. I have been particularly disappointed in the development of the UST second unit. Although they play good D, the offense off the bench has been sorely lacking. That being said, the Tommies are still sitting on the top spot until someone knocks them off.

[carletonsid]

Of the 3 front runners you mentioned, Carleton, Gustavus, & St. Thomas; I think the most surprising of that group is Carleton.  Two year starting PG, Jr. Blaise Davis didn't return for his junior year, my man J Kong doesn't seem like he's fully recovered from his knee injury, yet somehow Carleton is right back in the thick of things.

So as much as I love Seth Jonker's game, with the exception of Jeremy Sutherland, the Knights don't have nearly the talent that Gustavus & UST does.  This is a testament to the players and the Carleton coaching staff.

Check the Carleton-St. Olaf highlights. I think that Stu Neville would say that Jonker looked pretty good yesterday.

[VOJ]

Been a while...thought I would opine a little on the season.

Obviously this is not the season SJU thought they would enjoy...3-7 is not where alot of people thought SJU would be after the first run through.  This last week featured some inspired play from SJU in beating St. Mary's and  holding the Cardinals to 20% shooting in the second half and staging quite a comeback @ UST.  Down 18 midway throught the 2nd half, the Johnnies made some nice changes, kudos to the coaching staff for trying something different to change the game.  I disagree a little with the idea that the game was never in doubt, if Sam Blank gets a better 3 attempt up and ties the game we are talking OT where anything can happen.  I was a little surprised at the Tommies guards, they don't shoot FT's well and they like to play fast and loose with the ball.  Heally, one of their better FT shooters even missed late.   Too bad one or two those missed layups didn't drop or FT's for the J's...but those are the breaks in hoops


Drake that is a fine list but I would switch Olmschied with Burtzel...how a guy who is the top 10 in scoring, top 3 in rebounding, #1 in FG%, 2nd in steals, number 8 in assist/TO ratio and 3rd in minutes does not rate first team all league is beyond me and he is now a 1000 point scorer.  Olmsheid is a nice player, but if you look at the numbers the scales point Burtzel's way.

[miacsuperfan]

Been a while...thought I would opine a little on the season.

Obviously this is not the season SJU thought they would enjoy...3-7 is not where alot of people thought SJU would be after the first run through.  This last week featured some inspired play from SJU in beating St. Mary's and  holding the Cardinals to 20% shooting in the second half and staging quite a comeback @ UST.  Down 18 midway throught the 2nd half, the Johnnies made some nice changes, kudos to the coaching staff for trying something different to change the game.  I disagree a little with the idea that the game was never in doubt, if Sam Blank gets a better 3 attempt up and ties the game we are talking OT where anything can happen.  I was a little surprised at the Tommies guards, they don't shoot FT's well and they like to play fast and loose with the ball.  Heally, one of their better FT shooters even missed late.   Too bad one or two those missed layups didn't drop or FT's for the J's...but those are the breaks in hoops


Drake that is a fine list but I would switch Olmschied with Burtzel...how a guy who is the top 10 in scoring, top 3 in rebounding, #1 in FG%, 2nd in steals, number 8 in assist/TO ratio and 3rd in minutes does not rate first team all league is beyond me and he is now a 1000 point scorer.  Olmsheid is a nice player, but if you look at the numbers the scales point Burtzel's way.

Welcome back, VOJ!  +k.  Keep us posted on the Johnnies second half. 

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

Good to have you back VOJ.....red blinders and all 

Based on the 2 games Ive seen Burtzel play, I'd have to agree with Drake in selecting Olmscheid over him. The 1000 point thing is career, and means nothing for the season. UST did a good job neutralizing him and Auggie did OK on that too the week before. USJ woulda beat UST if Herman could make free throws.... he played a good game, which I found surprising, based on his season stats and past performances.

One question for you-- is Schwartz hurt? He really impressed me his frosh year, but he hasnt really done much since then....kinda stagnant... thus the injury question

[piperinsider]

PI- I saw Jordan Smith play a couple of years ago and he's a very smooth player.  He'd look great in a MIAC uniform but you're probably right, I think he might be D2 or a low level D1 bound.  Unless he's got a lot quicker though, I don't think he's a D1 type of player. But very savvy, smart player.

Turns out he is Division I. From a Strib story:
"Although schools such as Wisconsin and Northwestern have expressed interest in his on-court abilities, he said he is leaning toward an Ivy League school, such as Harvard or Penn, to pursue a career in business."

Smith called the game last Thursday with Hutch (113-107 OT win) the most fun he's ever had playing ball.

Halfway through the Wright County Conference season and there's some serious talent that MIAC teams could grab up. Three kids already locked up DI spots, but a lot of other talented kids.

Debating a trip to Collegeville tomorrow....

[VOJ]

Good to have you back VOJ.....red blinders and all 

Based on the 2 games Ive seen Burtzel play, I'd have to agree with Drake in selecting Olmscheid over him. The 1000 point thing is career, and means nothing for the season. UST did a good job neutralizing him and Auggie did OK on that too the week before. USJ woulda beat UST if Herman could make free throws.... he played a good game, which I found surprising, based on his season stats and past performances.

One question for you-- is Schwartz hurt? He really impressed me his frosh year, but he hasnt really done much since then....kinda stagnant... thus the injury question

Maniac we must have been watching different games at Augy, he had a double double hitting 7 of 9 shots.  It was his 5th of the year and 22nd of his career.   He had 10 and 7 against the Tommies posts, a little under his averages but not bad for a guy who is 6'5" and 190 soaking wet.

Here is another thing to consider...do a mental check list of teams in the conference and game plan the number one guy, who you have contain in order to beat that team, I think most coaches would say Burtzel for SJU, and Fraase for CC, like I said Olmscheid is a very good player, does alot of great things on the floor, but Burtzel's all around numbers tip the scales. 

BURTZEL SET TO JOIN ELITE COMPANY: Burtzel is 10 rebounds shy of joining an exclusive group of NCAA Division III men’s basketball student-athletes that have collected 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 350 assists in their career. According to responses received from Division III sports information directors, only two other players have reached the plateau: Chris Fite of Rochester (N.Y.; 2,006 points, 1,023 rebounds, 371 assists) and Tanner Prosser of Grove City (Pa.; 1,263 points, 801 rebounds, 367 assists). Burtzel currently leads the MIAC (conference games only) in shooting percentage (.624), is second in steals (1.80 spg.), second in minutes played (34.40 mpg.), third in rebounding (9.2 rpg.), fifth in assists (3.60 apg.) and sixth in scoring (15.9 ppg.). 

[piperinsider]

Good to have you back VOJ.....red blinders and all 

Based on the 2 games Ive seen Burtzel play, I'd have to agree with Drake in selecting Olmscheid over him. The 1000 point thing is career, and means nothing for the season. UST did a good job neutralizing him and Auggie did OK on that too the week before. USJ woulda beat UST if Herman could make free throws.... he played a good game, which I found surprising, based on his season stats and past performances.

One question for you-- is Schwartz hurt? He really impressed me his frosh year, but he hasnt really done much since then....kinda stagnant... thus the injury question

Maniac we must have been watching different games at Augy, he had a double double hitting 7 of 9 shots.  It was his 5th of the year and 22nd of his career.   He had 10 and 7 against the Tommies posts, a little under his averages but not bad for a guy who is 6'5" and 190 soaking wet.

Here is another thing to consider...do a mental check list of teams in the conference and game plan the number one guy, who you have contain in order to beat that team, I think most coaches would say Burtzel for SJU, and Fraase for CC, like I said Olmscheid is a very good player, does alot of great things on the floor, but Burtzel's all around numbers tip the scales.

I would say Carl Hipp over Burtzel. I would say Jeremy Sutherland over Burtzel. Burtzel just doesn't seem to be the same player he was last year. It seems he's only started to be more effective since the return of Herman. Again, haven't followed every game, but from an outsider, it seems that way.

[Drake Palmer]

Interesting games last night, and interesting conference race developing.  And I guess I'm not too surprised, but disappointed by the lack of posting activity. Too bad.  

A couple of observations:

It appears Jonker man is rounding back into shape from his knee injury, & if that's the case, Carleton is going to very dangerous the rest of the season.  This is his 2nd strong game in a row.  Last night he scored 22 pts on 7-10 FGA, 4-5 from the 3 pt line, 5 rebs, 3 assists, 2 steals & 3 TOs.   I forgot to to add him to my Best of List- -"Best turnaround jumper in the league."  Knights 60-51 over the Cobbs.
***
Another interesting development in Northfield - Oles spring the upset over Gustavus 80-64.  I think the majority of us posters on the board have become so accustomed to the stodgy Ole offense that even when they have talent, we think they're going to be mediocre.  My hats' off to the Ole coaching staff.  They've got a nice assortment of young athletic, talent with seasoned veterans.  I can't believe I'm typing this but they've got very good team quickness with Jaryan, Fong & the FY guards: Connor Gunderson, Nathan Kuch & Michael Jenson.  Initially, I was more impressed with Jenson & Kuck than the much heralded Connor Gunderson, but now he seems to be hitting his stride. Last night he tied for scoring honors with Alfred Jaryan as they each scored 16 pts.  Gunderson was 7-9 from the floor & 2-3 from behind the arc.
***
Are the Johnnies getting ready to make a 2nd half run?  They had a great 2nd half comeback against UST St. Paul last weekend only to come up short, but they bounced back with a strong showing to defeat Hamline last night 82-68. Aaron Burtzel said the "rumor of my demise was greatly exaggerated" as he stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of 13 pts, 15 rebs, 4 assists, & 2 steals.  We might have to call him Jonkey Kong of the north.

At 4-7 in the conference the Jays still have a shot at the playoffs, but my guess is that they'll need to go at least 6-3 over the last nine games to have a chance.  They'll get their next chance on Saturday when they travel to Northfield to play the Oles, fresh off their upset win over Gustavus.  STO beat the Jays in Collegeville earlier in the season, & this was before any of the baby Oles had really started to develop.  This game could be dandy! The Oles certainly aren't afraid of running with anyone.  From the looks of last night's webcast, STO out-quicked the Gusties, & GAC has decent team quickness.   STO also more than ran with the Pipes earlier this month as they shot down my "Hamline wins when they score 80+ points" theory.  The Oles nipped Hamline in OT, 102-96.
Johnnies coaching decision - ego sez run, brains say zone.  Which one will it be? Or both?

Bethel narrowly gets by the freefalling Redbirds at home 66-63.  Tough times for the Birds.  I've heard that one of the main birds, Lukas Holland has been battling injuries most of the season which has limited his effectiveness.

Tommies beat Augsburg 82-66.

A few more quiet days like this the board will turn into a ghost town and this old cowboy will have to move along.