MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[miacsuperfan]

...their recent defector in chris palmer's non-performance for river falls makes me wonder if this kid has lost his interest in playing!!  what a shocker that he is not a major cog in uw-rf's game plan.   

au contraire... read this from the WIAC board:

RF 68, Pville 57. Chris Palmer, in his first starting role, had a double/double w/12 pts., 12 rbds. Manor led the Falcons in scoring w/13 UNLESS my memory fails me--which is a strong possibility.

good.  that sounds like a bit more of what we all expected!! 

[John Gleich]

voj, how about the johnnies?   you gotta come through for us and shed some light.  i refuse to believe that offensively they can't generate some more heat.  other than their upset win over uw-sp, they have dropped some stink bombs to date.     you KNOW they will win some games out in the woods, however.

I still think that the SJU/UWSP game was a "perfect storm" situation. 

If you look at offensive efficiency for UWSP for the season [(Points/Possessions)x100], SP averages out to about 115.5 points per 100 possessions with a standard deviation of about 22 (due to a pretty small sample set)  -->  possessions are calculated as (FGA-ORB+TO+.475(FTA))

In the second half against SJU, they had an offensive efficiency of 58.3.  That's more than 2.5 standard deviations from the mean and vastly different than in the first half... 131.5.


What you had was an inspired SJU team who played out of their minds (70% from 3?), a young UWSP team who panicked and a highly improbable result.

I'm going to be interested to see what the 3 point percentages are for SJU's other home games, as an aside... Point was 6/8 in the first half and SJU was 7/10 in the second half...  kinda makes you wonder about the basket on SJU's home-end...

[papahoops]

The first big upset of the season almost happened in Northfield tonight, as Oles barelysqueak out a 69-68 win over winless MAC. This one went back and forth the whole game. Oles had 2 point lead guarding a MAC in bounds play under the MAC basket with .6 seconds left and fouled the shooter (Sam Marshall) off the inbounds pass. Marshall had 2 foul shots with .2 seconds left, made the first, but the second rolled off the rim giving the Oles a tight win. I could hear Koz's sigh of relief, and I live a long way from Northfiels I watched the first 10 minutes of the Carleton/Gustavus matchup before getting interested in the Ole/MAC contest and Knights looked in control, but Gusties obviously took over in the second half for a nice home win.

[Patriot]

I drove over to watch the Oles/MAC game tonight, not sure what to expect with both teams struggling early in the season.

This turned out to be a good game, much closer than anyone in the building expected.  MAC had a 8 point lead with 15 mins left in the game and Olaf was struggling with running anything fluid on offense.  Seemed like Olaf was trying to get Fong & Neville involved but MAC played some hard-nosed defense.....which usually included hanging onto the Ole players jerseys anywhere they went with no calls from the officials.  This was a horribly officiated game both ways and the three refs were veterans.

Monster night from Neville with 22 pts/11 boards on my book, he is very fun to watch.  His turnaround J off the glass from the low post is smooth.  Fong started slow, eclipsed the 1,000 point total for his career, and finished with 18 pts/4 boards.  Gunderson was in foul trouble and finished with a quiet 11 pts/0 boards.  Pratt played 29 minutes but didn't shoot much in this game, he was busy creating and doing other things - 5 points/5 boards and 6 assists.  Jaryan comes off the bench to play 30 mins and played well considering he hasn't played for a few games......   

The Olaf stat crew must have been busy studying for their Calc/Trig final at the scorers table because their stats are not accurate.  I have several discrepencies vs what they came up with.

All in all, its a "W" for the Oles, not pretty but its a win.  It looks like Koz is tinkering with his rotation still.  He has a talented, athletic team this year and when they get all their cylinders firing at once, they are going to be good.

[Drake Palmer]

I love it on the rare occasion when my posts happen to be spot-on. 

Earlier this week I said that Carleton was long, lean & athletic but could be "susceptible to pressure defense and turnovers."  Apparently the time I spent studying the tapes of defensive guru, head coach Mark Hanson from Gustavus paid off.   

In the 2nd half of their 64-56 come from behind win over Carleton, the Gusties employed a trap on the posts which resulted in 8 TOs by the Carlies & 14 2nd half pts scored by Gustavus.

From the GAC game summary...

The Gusties came out with a game plan to double the posts in the second half, finding an answer to Carleton's big men.

"They are good enough that if you let them go one-on-one, they are probably going to have their way with you," said Hanson about the Carleton front-court. "I thought we did a nice job not only on the trap, but on the back side of the trap. Its nice to see it work the way it did."

Hanson (4 points) and Caleb Rosenow (9 points) were limited to a combined 13 points in the second half, while Carleton's leading scorer on the season Scott Theisen scored just three points in the final 20 minutes.

Those 14 points off turnovers were huge in a close, 8 pt win for Gustavus.

Last night's win by Wonka's men should serve them well as they prepare for the Wednesday night showdown with the dynamic post duo of Andy GG- Cory Polta, & the hottest team in the MIAC – Augsburg! Currently  5-0.

I was thinking Bethel might give the Dawgs a decent test last night, but Augsburg absolutely manhandled Bethel to the tune of a 31 point beat down 86-55!! And they did it without particularly big nights from Polta or AGG.  AGG had 6 pts & 6 rebs, and the Bull had 11pts & 6 rebs.  The guards did most of the scoring damage led by SO PG Parker Hines with 15 pts & 8 assists, Tyler Schmidt 13 pts (3-5 3FGA), Brett Sorenson 13 pts (3-3 3FGA), & Andy Seidlitz 11 pts (2-4 3FGA).

Were it not for a 90 minute drive to St. Peter, I'd consider taking in this epic clash on Wednesday night.  If Augsburg should get by Gustavus, I would think they would warrant a look by the voters in the polls. In addition to their D1 upset win, right now they're clocking teams.  Personally, I think they're good – but that good?  Time will tell.

It will be interesting to see how Carleton responds after a tough loss at the hands of Gustavus, and how the young Bethel Royals respond to their beat down.  These two teams play each other on Wednesday. I'm fairly confident Carleton Coach Kalland will have his troops ready to go, but it might be a bit dicier proposition with the Royals.

And UST beat the Pipes 94 -77, Hannon with another big night; the Jays slip by the Redbirds.

Another coach, plus a game announcer finally breathe a collective sigh of relief.   

[Drake Palmer]

Patriot - how did Sam Marshall & Hans Erickson look for Macalester? They've been pleasant surprises thus far for the Scots.  Erickson is a freshman & is playing well.  Marshall is a junior & I don't recall reading or hearing anything about him last year. Is he a transfer student or first time out for basketball?

So far, I'm a little disappointed in the play of sophomores Justin Wasik & Chris Quinn for the Scots.  I was thinking they would be able to build off the success they enjoyed last year as a freshmen, but they've struggled this year. If they re-emerge as the talented players I thought they were last season, the Scots still have potential to turn their season around. Escpecially if JR Pierce Peters contines to play at his customary high level, & Erickson & Marshall prove they're more than temporary flash in the pans.

[Patriot]

"Patriot - how did Sam Marshall & Hans Erickson look for Macalester? They've been pleasant surprises thus far for the Scots.  Erickson is a freshman & is playing well.  Marshall is a junior & I don't recall reading or hearing anything about him last year. Is he a transfer student or first time out for basketball?"

IMO, both looked solid.  Erickson was effective running the pick n' roll and getting himself into the lane - good size at 6'3" 200 lbs.  Above average shooter and passer, needs time to get his shot off - didn't try to create for himself off the dribble.  MAC ran the Pn'R several times, sometimes Olaf would switch and other times, they would bounce over the pick.  Down two with 10 seconds left in the game, MAC tried this play but Pratt broke through the pick and they couldn't get their shot off. Ended up getting the rebound and almost tying the game....

Marshall is solid offensively with some nice old school moves.  Very strong to the basket and good rebounder on both ends.  He's very strong, but defensively he is slow to cover.  When Olaf spread the floor and fed the ball to Neville, Marshall had nothing to stop him.  Suprisingly, Olaf didn't do this as much as they could have.

I think MAC will win a couple suprise games this year, they're getting better and their confidence was strong throughout the game last night.

[Drake Palmer]

"Patriot - how did Sam Marshall & Hans Erickson look for Macalester? They've been pleasant surprises thus far for the Scots.  Erickson is a freshman & is playing well.  Marshall is a junior & I don't recall reading or hearing anything about him last year. Is he a transfer student or first time out for basketball?"

IMO, both looked solid.  Erickson was effective running the pick n' roll and getting himself into the lane - good size at 6'3" 200 lbs.  Above average shooter and passer, needs time to get his shot off - didn't try to create for himself off the dribble.  MAC ran the Pn'R several times, sometimes Olaf would switch and other times, they would bounce over the pick.  Down two with 10 seconds left in the game, MAC tried this play but Pratt broke through the pick and they couldn't get their shot off. Ended up getting the rebound and almost tying the game....

Dude,  my man - newcomer post of the week!  +K!  We haven't had a guy talk real hoops without a school ax to grind since my old posting buddy Sumander was on the board. Stick around.  Pops, me Mose, Supe & others would love to have a new poster on the board.

Great info!

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

"Patriot - how did Sam Marshall & Hans Erickson look for Macalester? They've been pleasant surprises thus far for the Scots.  Erickson is a freshman & is playing well.  Marshall is a junior & I don't recall reading or hearing anything about him last year. Is he a transfer student or first time out for basketball?"

IMO, both looked solid.  Erickson was effective running the pick n' roll and getting himself into the lane - good size at 6'3" 200 lbs.  Above average shooter and passer, needs time to get his shot off - didn't try to create for himself off the dribble.  MAC ran the Pn'R several times, sometimes Olaf would switch and other times, they would bounce over the pick.  Down two with 10 seconds left in the game, MAC tried this play but Pratt broke through the pick and they couldn't get their shot off. Ended up getting the rebound and almost tying the game....

Marshall is solid offensively with some nice old school moves.  Very strong to the basket and good rebounder on both ends.  He's very strong, but defensively he is slow to cover.  When Olaf spread the floor and fed the ball to Neville, Marshall had nothing to stop him.  Suprisingly, Olaf didn't do this as much as they could have.

I think MAC will win a couple suprise games this year, they're getting better and their confidence was strong throughout the game last night.

+K for making me feel my expectations of improvement @ MAC were not unfounded! I had told Poppa that I felt this might be the year Mac challenges for the 6th spot- was banking on a strong year from Peters, Bowman and overall roster improvement/depth.

Hopefully, they dont pull of one of your surprises tomorrow!

Welcome aboard!

[Drake Palmer]

Midweek MIAC Forecast

Gimmes

MAC @ UST- in a closer than expected win for the purple
CARL @ BET- a decisive win for the Knights

Semi-gimmes

SMU @ CORD- this could be one ugly ball game. Its' cold, it's a long drive from Winona to Moorhead (or did the Birds stay in St. Cloud for 2 days), neither team has been burning the nets...

Toss-ups

STO @ HAM – Oles are on a 2 game winning streak but have played MAC & SMU, the bottom of the league.  The Hambone has no size, but a bazillion guards they can run at a team.

Monster-Mash

AUG @ GAC- Will the Gustie trap slowdown the Auggie posts? Who from Augsburg is going to guard Seth Anderson? Dawgs by 7? Gusties win in OT?

[Kilroy]

STO/HAM and AUG/GAC are both very interesting... I still need to see the Auggie forwards in action.

[TommieHoops4Life]

I think the only "gimmie" of the night is MAC @ UST, but it's also an easy game for the Tommies to overlook on their schedule. If St. Thomas so much as remembers what jersey to wear and where the gym is, I think they win by 15-20. Too much talent and depth for the Scots to hang with them, but the games are played for a reason.

I think Bethel/Carleton is much closer with the Royals being at home. I think the Knights come out on top in a game decided by 5 or less.

The Oles can assert themselves in the MIAC with a win at Hamline tonight, but consistency (at least on the winning side) has never really been there. They need their athletes to step up and make plays.

Augsburg and GAC is easily the match-up of the night. Another interesting match-up between contrasting styles. Does Augsburg's fast pace, run-and-gun approach win out or will the Gusties force them into a half court game? If Auggie Tech prevails, their statement is made.

Here's to another night of scoreboard watching from my desk, but at least I can watch UST online.

[miacsuperfan]

Midweek MIAC Forecast

Gimmes

MAC @ UST- in a closer than expected win for the purple
CARL @ BET- a decisive win for the Knights

Semi-gimmes

SMU @ CORD- this could be one ugly ball game. Its’ cold, it’s a long drive from Winona to Moorhead (or did the Birds stay in St. Cloud for 2 days), neither team has been burning the nets…

Toss-ups

STO @ HAM – Oles are on a 2 game winning streak but have played MAC & SMU, the bottom of the league.  The Hambone has no size, but a bazillion guards they can run at a team.

Monster-Mash

AUG @ GAC- Will the Gustie trap slowdown the Auggie posts? Who from Augsburg is going to guard Seth Anderson? Dawgs by 7? Gusties win in OT?

Guard?  Or stop?  I like the Dawgs limiting Anderson by committee tonight.  They will make somebody else have to beat them.  Should be a fun game!

[Drake Palmer]

Midweek MIAC Forecast

...Monster-Mash

AUG @ GAC- Will the Gustie trap slowdown the Auggie posts? Who from Augsburg is going to guard Seth Anderson? Dawgs by 7? Gusties win in OT?

Guard?  Or stop?  I like the Dawgs limiting Anderson by committee tonight.  They will make somebody else have to beat them.  Should be a fun game!

You're absolutely right. Size wise, Augsburg is very vulnerable at the guard spot. 6-0 PG Parker Hines & 5-10 Tyler Schmidt at the other guard position.  I think small forward Brett Sorenson might be too slow to defend Seth Anderson. So the defending by committee idea seems to make sense. Slow Anderson down with the idea of not letting the other Gusties beat them.

[miacsuperfan]

NEWS FLASH         NEWS FLASH       NEWS FLASH       NEWS FLASH        NEWS FLASH      NEWS FLASH       NEWS FLASH        NEWS FLASH         NEWS FLASH      There is a monster on the loose in St. Peter.   His name is Seth Anderson!   This kid has gone viral!!