MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[txg]

What a great basketball game that was.  I like this league.

[faunch]

Is UST out if they lose to Augie tonight?

No. The Tommies are a mortal lock for a Pool C berth.

Losing 3 out of last 4?

[Gregory Sager]

That was quite an exciting finish to what had seemed like a foregone conclusion not too many minutes earlier. Great comeback by the Tommies with that late flurry of 23-footers. Smart play by Coplin to kick out to Kerik for that fatal trey in the waning seconds to propel the Auggies to the win, since everybody and his brother likely thought it was Jimmy Chitwood Time (i.e., that nobody but Coplin would've taken the final shot).

[Gregory Sager]

Is UST out if they lose to Augie tonight?

No. The Tommies are a mortal lock for a Pool C berth.

Losing 3 out of last 4?

Irrelevant.

Only the primary criteria (and the secondary criteria, if called upon) matter.

[Smitty Oom]

Is UST out if they lose to Augie tonight?

No. The Tommies are a mortal lock for a Pool C berth.

Losing 3 out of last 4?

Irrelevant.

Only the primary criteria (and the secondary criteria, if called upon) matter.

Greg is 100% correct here. Overall resume is taken into account and the Tommies will be dancing based on WP/SOS/vRRO/etc. Now I’m not sure how long they will be dancing, they seem to really lack a guy that can get his own bucket. Sometimes Bair can be that, but it’s something I’m not sure he is really cut out for. Very deep, as we have mentioned, but not enough offensive difference makers the last couple games I have watched.

Tonight Auggies were the more athletic team. On defense the Dawgs did a great job at cutting off driving lanes and offensively Coplin, Carik and Co were great at beating their defender. So much team speed, very impressive. The pseudo press that the Tommies usually play also gave the Auggies no issues as their starting 4-man, MIAC MVP Booker Coplin, routinely brings the ball up. Not to mention he has 3 guards that start next to him all capable of bringing the ball up as well. Augburg went 2-1 against the Tommies and the one loss was a triple OT loss at home, fun season series.

It was a wonderful game to be at. The Shoe was hopping after Michael Hannon’s three brought the Tommies within 4 points and then even louder when it was all tied up at 81 with a minute left.

Auggies have had game winning shots in back to back games now. Coplin nails the game winner in one and in the other he drives, attracts the D and dishes to Carik for the 3. Truly an all around amazing talent. Hope he stays for his Senior season, although MIAC coaches probably disagree.

[Drake Palmer]

Is UST out if they lose to Augie tonight?

No. The Tommies are a mortal lock for a Pool C berth.

Losing 3 out of last 4?

Irrelevant.

Only the primary criteria (and the secondary criteria, if called upon) matter.

Greg is 100% correct here. Overall resume is taken into account and the Tommies will be dancing based on WP/SOS/vRRO/etc. Now I'm not sure how long they will be dancing, they seem to really lack a guy that can get his own bucket. Sometimes Bair can be that, but it's something I'm not sure he is really cut out for. Very deep, as we have mentioned, but not enough offensive difference makers the last couple games I have watched.

Tonight Auggies were the more athletic team. On defense the Dawgs did a great job at cutting off driving lanes and offensively Coplin, Carik and Co were great at beating their defender. So much team speed, very impressive. The pseudo press that the Tommies usually play also gave the Auggies no issues as their starting 4-man, MIAC MVP Booker Coplin, routinely brings the ball up. Not to mention he has 3 guards that start next to him all capable of bringing the ball up as well. Augburg went 2-1 against the Tommies and the one loss was a triple OT loss at home, fun season series.

It was a wonderful game to be at. The Shoe was hopping after Michael Hannon's three brought the Tommies within 4 points and then even louder when it was all tied up at 81 with a minute left.

Auggies have had game winning shots in back to back games now. Coplin nails the game winner in one and in the other he drives, attracts the D and dishes to Carik for the 3. Truly an all around amazing talent. Hope he stays for his Senior season, although MIAC coaches probably disagree.

I was just about ready to sign off for the night when I saw this sentence highlighted above.   What exactly did you mean by this?  I sort of doubt he's declaring for the NBA, but is Coplin graduating early?   I seem to recall he's a Physical Therapy major.

I'll offer up my two cents worth regarding the Tomcats tomorrow.

[Greek Tragedy]

It's obvious with Zion's injury in the Duke/NC game, Coplin is now the clear #1 pick in this summer's NBA draft.

[bball1122]

I think the Tommies defense is their biggest concern.  Since beating Gustavus on February 4th, they've given up 78, 88, 94, 81, and 84 points.    Prior to this stretch, they had given up 78+ only twice (their second game vs. Emerson, and the triple OT win over Augsburg).   In those same five games, teams have shot 48, 48, 64, 48, and 56 percent.     Those numbers put them at the bottom of the MIAC in both categories over the last 3 weeks.   On the season, they allowed 44% shooting (second best in the MIAC) and 69 PPG (third best).  So what has changed?   Yes, they've played good teams (Augsburg twice, Saint John's, Saint Olaf, plus an improving Saint Mary's).   But the problem is, all the teams left are good teams.   The Tommies need to tighten things up defensively or they won't make it past the first weekend.

At this point, I'm going to take credit for the Johnnies resurgent dominance.  On February 1st, I posted that I was "underwhelmed" by their performance to that point in the season and doubted their chances to make much of a run in the tournament.  Since then, they're 7-0 and looking like a potential Final Four contender.   All joking aside, Coach McKenzie has his team playing their best hoops at the end of February, which is what every coach hopes for.   Earlier in the season, they were the best team on paper.  Now they're the best team on paper and on the court.  Kudos to the Johnnies.

Finally, I hope Augsburg finds a way to win Saturday.   They're a very talented team that is fun to watch (can handle it and shoot it and shares the ball) and features one of the best players in the nation.   I'd like to see them get at least one game on the national stage.

For those more knowledgeable than I, if the Auggies win, does the MIAC get 3 bids?  I'll hang up and listen.

[Smitty Oom]

For those more knowledgeable than I, if the Auggies win, does the MIAC get 3 bids?  I'll hang up and listen.

Yes, UST and SJU are currently locks for an at-large. This means the Auggies could make three teams from the MIAC with a win in Collegeville.

I was just about ready to sign off for the night when I saw this sentence highlighted above.   What exactly did you mean by this?  I sort of doubt he's declaring for the NBA, but is Coplin graduating early?   I seem to recall he's a Physical Therapy major.

I'll offer up my two cents worth regarding the Tomcats tomorrow.

I am just shooting from the hip here, my comment was based on no knowledge or rumors. I just know that a player of his caliber could potentially transfer to a higher division, a la Shea Feehan from Eureka (D3, SLIAC) to Evansville (DI) this year. Or of course, like Greek mentioned, maybe declare professional status a year early, I just hope he doesn't hire an agent!

[AO]

I think the Tommies defense is their biggest concern.  Since beating Gustavus on February 4th, they've given up 78, 88, 94, 81, and 84 points.    Prior to this stretch, they had given up 78+ only twice (their second game vs. Emerson, and the triple OT win over Augsburg).   In those same five games, teams have shot 48, 48, 64, 48, and 56 percent.     Those numbers put them at the bottom of the MIAC in both categories over the last 3 weeks.   On the season, they allowed 44% shooting (second best in the MIAC) and 69 PPG (third best).  So what has changed?   Yes, they've played good teams (Augsburg twice, Saint John's, Saint Olaf, plus an improving Saint Mary's).   But the problem is, all the teams left are good teams.   The Tommies need to tighten things up defensively or they won't make it past the first weekend.

Maybe they should adopt the Northwestern approach and put 106 up on the board.

[Drake Palmer]

I think the Tommies defense is their biggest concern.  Since beating Gustavus on February 4th, they've given up 78, 88, 94, 81, and 84 points.    Prior to this stretch, they had given up 78+ only twice (their second game vs. Emerson, and the triple OT win over Augsburg).   In those same five games, teams have shot 48, 48, 64, 48, and 56 percent.     Those numbers put them at the bottom of the MIAC in both categories over the last 3 weeks.   On the season, they allowed 44% shooting (second best in the MIAC) and 69 PPG (third best).  So what has changed?   Yes, they've played good teams (Augsburg twice, Saint John's, Saint Olaf, plus an improving Saint Mary's).   But the problem is, all the teams left are good teams.   The Tommies need to tighten things up defensively or they won't make it past the first weekend.

Maybe they should adopt the Northwestern approach and put 106 up on the board.

Ha, the Northwestern Eagles, lurking ready to make their move.    I guessed you all would crush Crown. 

I watched a bit of the Bethany and CSS game last night, and Bethany had control of the game so I shut it off. When I came back later on last night, man I was surprised to see that St. Scholastica pulled it out.

[Drake Palmer]

I think the Tommies defense is their biggest concern.  Since beating Gustavus on February 4th, they've given up 78, 88, 94, 81, and 84 points.    Prior to this stretch, they had given up 78+ only twice (their second game vs. Emerson, and the triple OT win over Augsburg).   In those same five games, teams have shot 48, 48, 64, 48, and 56 percent.     Those numbers put them at the bottom of the MIAC in both categories over the last 3 weeks.   On the season, they allowed 44% shooting (second best in the MIAC) and 69 PPG (third best).  So what has changed?   Yes, they've played good teams (Augsburg twice, Saint John's, Saint Olaf, plus an improving Saint Mary's).   But the problem is, all the teams left are good teams.   The Tommies need to tighten things up defensively or they won't make it past the first weekend. ...

Bball1122 – we're thinking the exact same things about UST.  This was what I posted last Friday

MIAC Playoffs

#1 UST: If you're a Tommies fan, it must be a bit alarming to watch UST give up an average of 85.25 ppg in their last four regular season games.  The playoff week ahead should give everyone a good idea if the young Tommies are for real.  Are they aspiring to be "Whitman Midwest," or can they conjure up the spirits of tough-minded defensive UST teams from the recent past? 

I hate to keep bringing up the relative youth of the Tommies, but I think their defensive shortcomings is more of a mindset readjustment, and they'll just have to fight through this.  All things considered, this year's version of the Tommie team is about the same size and quickness of the 2008-2009 UST team (undersized) that started their run to national prominence. Overall, the 09 team probably didn't shoot as well as the 19 team, but their scrappy choirboy defense was almost as exciting as watching some of these offensive explosions we've been seeing this year. Although a smaller team by D3 standards, the 09 team was a quick and physical defense. The 19 team is nearly as quick, but not as physical. If any coach can get them turned around I think Coach Tauer is the man. Unfortunately, this team may not show the dividends of his work until next season, and this team matures.

Jays look for real, but like most non Johnnie faithful, I'd love to see the Dawgs pull the upset at C-ville, so the MIAC can get three teams into the big dance. Then Johnnies, show that last year's one and done in the NCAA was an aberration, and start kicking some butt.

This morning I did a bit of follow up checking after my post last night, and yes, Booker Coplin is a PT major. In his Augsburg bio, Coplin states that his career goal is to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the U. The basic requirement for admission into that program is an undergraduate degree, a 3.0+ gpa, and qualifying GRE scores.  Who knows, it's only a mile over to the U's campus from Augsburg.  Unlikely.

[AO]

I think the Tommies defense is their biggest concern.  Since beating Gustavus on February 4th, they've given up 78, 88, 94, 81, and 84 points.    Prior to this stretch, they had given up 78+ only twice (their second game vs. Emerson, and the triple OT win over Augsburg).   In those same five games, teams have shot 48, 48, 64, 48, and 56 percent.     Those numbers put them at the bottom of the MIAC in both categories over the last 3 weeks.   On the season, they allowed 44% shooting (second best in the MIAC) and 69 PPG (third best).  So what has changed?   Yes, they've played good teams (Augsburg twice, Saint John's, Saint Olaf, plus an improving Saint Mary's).   But the problem is, all the teams left are good teams.   The Tommies need to tighten things up defensively or they won't make it past the first weekend.

Maybe they should adopt the Northwestern approach and put 106 up on the board.

Ha, the Northwestern Eagles, lurking ready to make their move.    I guessed you all would crush Crown. 

I watched a bit of the Bethany and CSS game last night, and Bethany had control of the game so I shut it off. When I came back later on last night, man I was surprised to see that St. Scholastica pulled it out.

We got up early but couldn't slow down considering Crown shot 53% from the field and put up 85 of their own.  Probably the most talented Crown team I've ever seen.

I'd imagine the Johnnie fans (especially sfury) breathed a sigh of relief after seeing Bethany go down.  Scholastica's Brandon Newman is a load to handle, played all 40 minutes last night.

[OldAuggie]

With all this specualtion of Coplin not returning to Augsburg I find myself thinking and comparing the attitude of Booker to Owen Webster who transfered to the U of M to wrestle. A night and day difference in attitude.  Booker seems happy to dominate the MIAC another year. He does the team laundry for cripes sake.

[Smitty Oom]

I want to clarify, I never said or think he won't return to Augsburg. He seems to have a good thing going there and enjoying himself with two straight MIAC championship games. The MIAC would love to have him. I just think he is good enough, if the right team showed interest, that he could play at a higher level. That is all. Pure speculation.