MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[OldAuggie]

Johnnies playing horribly...but did the MIAC send an officiating crew to Collegeville w/ instructions to screw the home team? Seriously....f_ck!!!!

Even VOJ didn't think the Johnnies got screwed so I'm kinda surprised that others did. Sometimes a team just gets outplayed.

I was thinking the exact same thing. VOJ admitted that his Johnnies did not show up to play and the Auggies were ready, then states "there will be no post game show!"

I am not going to lie, I was looking forward to the post game show! Well played sir. 

[Pat Coleman]

Hah -- that line was memorable enough for me to mention it to the rest of the D3hoops.com staff on our Slack channel, too.

[Drake Palmer]

A couple of exciting games last night if you're an Augsburg or Royal fan.  Jack Jenson & Bridge Tusler came up huge for Bethel and helped break the game open for the Royals.  Jenson's quick, darting drives to the basket for layups, and Tusler's timely drives and assists opened the floor for Matt Ambriz, the inside play of Derek Magnuson, and the inside/outside work of Granger Kingland.

Bethel defense was tough, and its amazing how many times the smallish Bethel guards always end up grabbing a good share of the rebounds. Jenson had 7 rebounds, and overall, Bethel out rebounded STO 37 reb – 24 rebs.   Two nights earlier, 5-11 Bridgeport Tusler had a double-double as he scored 11pts and grabbed 11 rebs against Carleton.

It certainly didn't help that STO probably had one of their worst offensive performances of the year. Aside from Robert Tobroxen who was 6-12 FGA 12 pts, the other Oles all shot less than 50% from the floor.  All in all though, St. Olaf had a great year, and look poised to have another solid season in 2018-2019.  Their main loss will be Robert Tobroxen, who turned out to be one of my favorite players to watch in the MIAC this year. Nice run!

***

I think the theme up in Collegeville last night was- "Uneasy is the head that wears the crown"   

From my perspective, the mantle of great expectations appeared to weigh down the Big Red Machine, and except for Tyler Weiss, 11-15 FGA 23 pts, 8 rebs, everyone else was playing tight, or hero ball, and without the usual Johnnie swagger. 

While watching the webcast, I couldn't help but chuckle, and feel a bit sorry for VOJ, the Jays game announcer.  The webcast was fine, but throughout the first half, and a portion of the second half,  I could hear his phone in the background dialing in the background as he attempted to connect to the radio broadcast, "for only 95 cents, Century Link will connect you to your party."

Grhh! Man, that had to be frustrating.  For the most part, VOJ managed to keep his cool, and did a decent job of tempering his usual Johnny bias.  He did pop out one memorable VOJ quote- "Augsburg came to fight, St. John's came to play!" 

On the other hand, Augsburg, came out loose as a goose, and seemed to say let's ride. And man, did they ever.   For the first time this season, Colin Olmscheid had a good game against the Johnnies, and even made a couple of heat check shots -7-14 FGA, 21 pts. Kevin Mc Kiernan was on fire and was 5-8 from behind the 3 pt line. Booker Coplin had a solid 10 pts, 6 rebs, 3 assists, Harry Sonie 11 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assists.  FY Matt Carik came up huge in this game with solid defense, 13pts, 3 rebs, 3 steals.

***

Sunday's title game should be a barn burner. Both teams really only go 7 players deep, so staying out of foul trouble for both teams will be huge. For Augsburg, it's essential that Colin Olmscheid have a good game, while it seems Bethel can find a way to win without one specific player needing to get shots.  So the unstoppable force meets the unmovable object. I better get over there and check it out tomorrow.  I'd imagine the Bethel & Augsburg students will be at their creative best. 

[Smitty Oom]

But seriously, last night's games are exactly what I love about having conference tourneys- they add a huge layer of excitement for the players and (especially) the fans and test the mettle of the supposedly top-tier teams. The John's have a damn good team, very talented,  albeit played a rather soft non-conference schedule. However, have flinched twice now in playoff-caliber games-- NOT a good sign for NCAA success.

Very well could be the case, but a lot of teams have tripped up this year around the nation, kind of the theme. I agree that they are not playing their best ball right now, seem to be lacking urgency but these loses might also spark a fire for the Johns. Tough not to side with them and their talented roster.

I had to go look at the 2016 UST squad and it appears that they slipped up twice in the last 6 MIAC games, once to the Auggies during the end of the regular season and once to the Oles in the MIAC playoffs. Seemed to end fine for the Toms that year!

http://tommiesports.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/schedule

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

But seriously, last night's games are exactly what I love about having conference tourneys- they add a huge layer of excitement for the players and (especially) the fans and test the mettle of the supposedly top-tier teams. The John's have a damn good team, very talented,  albeit played a rather soft non-conference schedule. However, have flinched twice now in playoff-caliber games-- NOT a good sign for NCAA success.

Very well could be the case, but a lot of teams have tripped up this year around the nation, kind of the theme. I agree that they are not playing their best ball right now, seem to be lacking urgency but these loses might also spark a fire for the Johns. Tough not to side with them and their talented roster.

I had to go look at the 2016 UST squad and it appears that they slipped up twice in the last 6 MIAC games, once to the Auggies during the end of the regular season and once to the Oles in the MIAC playoffs. Seemed to end fine for the Toms that year!

http://tommiesports.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/schedule

That's true, Smitty, 2016 UST righted ship in time for the NCAAs. But go back one more year and see that UST 2015 also lot twice in the final six game (including a loss to Concordia!!) but had an ending in the NCAAs that still gives me nightmares. The 2016 team was battle-tested in tough non-conference games whereas 2015's edition faced a slate as daunting as the John's this year. The Johns may very well step and and start playing with the urgency needed to succeed in the NCAAs. Maybe its my purple tinted vision, but I just don't see that happening. I think the BU/Augs winner will make a deeper run than the Johns do.

[Smitty Oom]

But seriously, last night's games are exactly what I love about having conference tourneys- they add a huge layer of excitement for the players and (especially) the fans and test the mettle of the supposedly top-tier teams. The John's have a damn good team, very talented,  albeit played a rather soft non-conference schedule. However, have flinched twice now in playoff-caliber games-- NOT a good sign for NCAA success.

Very well could be the case, but a lot of teams have tripped up this year around the nation, kind of the theme. I agree that they are not playing their best ball right now, seem to be lacking urgency but these loses might also spark a fire for the Johns. Tough not to side with them and their talented roster.

I had to go look at the 2016 UST squad and it appears that they slipped up twice in the last 6 MIAC games, once to the Auggies during the end of the regular season and once to the Oles in the MIAC playoffs. Seemed to end fine for the Toms that year!

http://tommiesports.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/schedule

That's true, Smitty, 2016 UST righted ship in time for the NCAAs. But go back one more year and see that UST 2015 also lot twice in the final six game (including a loss to Concordia!!) but had an ending in the NCAAs that still gives me nightmares. The 2016 team was battle-tested in tough non-conference games whereas 2015's edition faced a slate as daunting as the John's this year. The Johns may very well step and and start playing with the urgency needed to succeed in the NCAAs. Maybe its my purple tinted vision, but I just don't see that happening. I think the BU/Augs winner will make a deeper run than the Johns do.

I would probably SJU to make it further, as they will still probably host and get an "easier" first round opponent than going on the road for the first weekend, which Auggie and the Royals will probably do. But those other two teams definitely playing great right now. My early prediction is STO will probably be the first MIAC team to be knocked off, depending on matchups of course.

I just like to make sure the UST and SJU people see the other side of the coin, as fans on both sides of the rivalry can own some strongly tinted sunglasses at times 

[OldAuggie]

GREAT GAME !!!! Olmscheid and Sonie are on a mission it's half time now.

Edit-
Auggies! Auggies! It's a final.   

[GoldandBlueBU]

GREAT GAME !!!! Olmscheid and Sonie are on a mission it's half time now.

Edit-
Auggies! Auggies! It's a final.

Congrats to Augsburg!

Obviously would have preferred that BU make it two years in a row, but it is hard not to be happy for Olmscheid, given how great of a four year run he's had, since he hasn't had a shot at the NCAA's before.

Also congrats to Bridge Tusler, and the other outbound seniors from BU. 

[Drake Palmer]

Congratulations Augsburg! Olmscheid & crew were a team possessed

And wow, three MIAC teams in the big dance:

Augsburg

St. Johns

St Olaf

League historian (Mose) - is this a first for the MIAC? 

[Smitty Oom]

Yes congrats to Auggie! Ive loved their team this year and they are really clicking right now. They will play Hope in Augustana on Friday. Should be a fun matchup, both teams are pretty efficient on offense. From what I understand, it seems that Augsburg is a little more gritty and able to get defensive stops. Any MIAA fans want to comment on that? Olmsheid might go for 30+ again, and if he does that the Auggies are tough to beat!

Elsewhere, UMAC champ Bethany Lutheran will head up to Collegeville and take on the Johnnies. Anything can happen but Johns should win that one solidly. The other game at Sexton will be really fun. I am excited to see that game in person. UW-Stevens Point and their stifling defense takes on CCIW's North Central and their offensive studs with PG Connor Rairdon and PF Alex Sorenson. Johnnies (if they win) will have their hands full on Saturday no matter what. Johnnieville will be hoppin' this weekend, should be a great atmosphere!

St. Olaf draws the Lobos from Sul Ross State (TX). I haven't watched any of their games this year but a lot of people seem to be high on them. They will be playing in Platteville, shorter trip for the Oles may gvie them a little bit of an advantage.

[Gregory Sager]

Congratulations Augsburg! Olmscheid & crew were a team possessed

And wow, three MIAC teams in the big dance:

Augsburg

St. Johns

St Olaf

League historian (Mose) - is this a first for the MIAC?

It has never happened before. The MIAC has had two reps on sixteen different occasions, but never three.

[Drake Palmer]

Congratulations Augsburg! Olmscheid & crew were a team possessed

And wow, three MIAC teams in the big dance:

Augsburg

St. Johns

St Olaf

League historian (Mose) - is this a first for the MIAC?

It has never happened before. The MIAC has had two reps on sixteen different occasions, but never three.

Thanks Mose Jr.     I did a quick scan back to 2006 and didn't notice any.  Before 2006, it seemed the rest of the country viewed the MIAC as strictly a one team qualifier for the NCAA tourney.

Now let's hope our teams can rep the league proudly with at least several victories on opening night.

[AO]

Elsewhere, UMAC champ Bethany Lutheran will head up to Collegeville and take on the Johnnies. Anything can happen but Johns should win that one solidly.

But what if the NCAA sends an officiating crew to Collegeville w/ instructions to screw the home team?

[GoldandBlueBU]

Elsewhere, UMAC champ Bethany Lutheran will head up to Collegeville and take on the Johnnies. Anything can happen but Johns should win that one solidly.

But what if the NCAA sends an officiating crew to Collegeville w/ instructions to screw the home team?

Probably shouldn't even have NCAA playoffs anyway.  What's the point?  Johnnies are clearly the best, based on the regular season. 

[bball1122]

Congrats to the Auggies, Oles, and Johnnies.    When Olmscheid gets it rolling, he's pretty much unstoppable.  McKiernan was on fire as well.   They're a tough bunch. 

Along with the NCAA news, it looks like Coach Whittle is done at MAC:

https://hoopdirt.com/diii-dirt-whittle-head-basketball-coach-macalester-college-mn/

Seemed like a good hire when it was first announced.  Was never able to get the stars to align - Gutierrez's injury this season didn't help.