MBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[ustbumkneez]

Nites
This is a team that has basically been a 6 man rotation all season, so I dont think stamina will be an issue for UST. Time and time again, in big games, weve seen Schnettler, Sweeney and Rosefelt play 38+ (if not the whole game), with Shimek and Keating logging 35+. When you look at their schedule, the Tommies have not lost a game coming off a 1 day break (10-0)-as is the case with the game on Saturday. Granted, none of those teams are to the caliber of Lawrence, but I dont think fatigue will be an issue for the Tommies. Aside from Braier, the Vikings are not too physical of a team. They are tenacious, and will certainly be ball hawking all night, but I dont we will see the kind of banging we saw last night.

[Nites]

MM - I don't.

I2/18 0 and 0 (Ok, it's a bye but I need it to make my pattern work)

Actually, the pattern works better without your addition because the point is how performance is on short rest.  Take it out and MK had back to back strong games, but he also had 8 days between games.

Granted, NCC was a great win for the Tommies.  However, if as Local reported, Ike did grab the microphone and tell everyone to get their tickets for Saturday, I'm concerned that the Tommies may have an emotional let down as well.  If the mission is to win the national championship, you slap each other on the back after a big win and then start focusing on your next opponent.  The win against NCC would simply be step one.  

I think there is a mind set to being a champion where you expect to win, but you know you need to be mentally tough.  That's why a lot of teams in sports don't win it all the first time they make the playoffs.  Take Carleton.  Are they happy just to be in the dance, or is their goal really to win it all.

[Nites]

Thanks, ustbumkneez.  That's something I don't really have a feel for so I appreciate the input.  Wouldn't that be something if they can knock off Lawrence?

I still have this gut feeling that Keating is the key.  He was supposed to be the missing piece to the puzzle, but his reviews have been mixed at best.  If there ever was a time for him to step up, it's now!

[mwc4life]

I hate Lawrence more then any team in America, but damn they are good this year.  I've been reading what you guys have written today and yesterday and you make a lot of good points.  But the key to stopping Lawrence is NOT stopping Braier....because he's going to hurt you in some way. Over on the MWC board we talk about him like he's BILL BRASKI...can do anything.  Braier is not known for his scoring but his ability to rebound everywhere on the court and just make the right play.  Lawrence is a beatable team, but when MacGillis goes off or Bradley or Kroger, you have no chance to win...especially at home.  We keep talking about stats here, but something that hasn't been emphasized enough is the teams over-whelming man pressure.  They make you do things you don't want to do and eventually they wear you out.    I played in the MWC for Ripon and I can tell you I've never seen a team react to an individual player like LU does.  They feed off his energy.  Do me a favor, if any of you Tommies make down to Appleton for the game, just see how the crowd/players react to Braier's name when it's introduced....the whole place erupts and it's truly electric.  LU has won 21 straight home games there and 34 out of 35 dating back to 2003.

If I had any game plan to install for playing Lawrence, I would attack down low all day.  Braier is only 6'4'' and can be scored on.  LU thrives on dribble penetration and finding the open man.  It really is impressive how selfless they are with one another.

[miacwatchmen]

I hate Lawrence more then any team in America, but damn they are good this year.  I've been reading what you guys have written today and yesterday and you make a lot of good points.  But the key to stopping Lawrence is NOT stopping Braier....because he's going to hurt you in some way. Over on the MWC board we talk about him like he's BILL BRASKI...can do anything.  Braier is not known for his scoring but his ability to rebound everywhere on the court and just make the right play.  Lawrence is a beatable team, but when MacGillis goes off or Bradley or Kroger, you have no chance to win...especially at home.  We keep talking about stats here, but something that hasn't been emphasized enough is the teams over-whelming man pressure.  They make you do things you don't want to do and eventually they wear you out.    I played in the MWC for Ripon and I can tell you I've never seen a team react to an individual player like LU does.  They feed off his energy.  Do me a favor, if any of you Tommies make down to Appleton for the game, just see how the crowd/players react to Braier's name when it's introduced....the whole place erupts and it's truly electric.  LU has won 21 straight home games there and 34 out of 35 dating back to 2003.

If I had any game plan to install for playing Lawrence, I would attack down low all day.  Braier is only 6'4'' and can be scored on.  LU thrives on dribble penetration and finding the open man.  It really is impressive how selfless they are with one another.

I think i would be pretty proud and impressed with my 2-time All-American too   

I think if Keating scores like he is capable of Tommies win. Ike and Schnettler will show up. Like you said mwc4life, Keating is the key for tomorrow nights match-up.

[miacsuperfan]

nites and ustbum    thanks for thoughts on car.  
but the conversation sure did return quickly to ust.   i, for one, think ust will surprise a few people on saturday.   schnettler has absolutely no conscience, and sweeny is just goofy enough to not realize the situation.   throw in a good shooting night from the big unit, and  the pressure will completely be on 'u of larry.'   ust will un-nerve them with their calmness, and the miac will have another feather in it's collective cap.
any other thoughts out there related to carleton game?   will kalland have a game plan?   what he needs are tv timeouts every 4 minutes to keep his starters fresh.   hey, that's a thought.    espn2?

[ustbumkneez]

Superfan
this was my take on the Stout-Carleton game, posted a few days ago:

Bummed that the Carleton/Stout game isnt at Menominee. Was looking forward to catching the MIAC on consecutive nights. Alas, post game posts from Mafia will have to do. Being that I have seen both sides on multiple occasions, I thought I would offer some thoughts on the mathup:
It will be interesting to see how Carleton handles Terry Farmer, a tough, physical, athletic guy who, in my opinion, is one of the most dynamic players in the WIAC. To me, he is the key to Stouts success. Hes adept at attacking the rim from the wing and equally effective hunkering down in the post. Drake would be the best matchup for the Knights, and while he will give away a considerable amount of quicks, if he can corral Farmer and force him to shoot from 15+, Carleton will be in pretty good shape. Phillips and Chandler are a wash at the point. While Phillips is the better outside shooter, Chandler is very tough on penetration, and each is a servicable defender. Chandler is streaky, however, and can catch fire. Forcing Chaisson to be more than a complimentary scorer, e.g. make him create his own shot, will bey key. Stangl, their 2 guard, can beat a team by himself when he gets hot, though he tends to push when hes not hitting from outside. I think they need to start Kootsikas so he can pester Stangl up and down the court; they dont need much offensive production out of that spot, just someone who can lock Stangl up and force him to take bad shots-which he will do when frustrated. Forkrud will give up 7" to Nonemacher, but will be able to hold his own because of his strength. Nonemacher is relatively basic in the post, and is not overly physical, but keeping him off the offensive glass is paramount. Thats where he gets his buckets, off tip ins and put backs. If forced to beat a guy in the post, he plays more like hes 6'5. Stout is plus 8 in rebound margin, while Carleton is minus 2, so the Knights will have to really hit the glass like they did against UST.
The starting lineup the Blue Devils put on the floor is essentially a 4 guard set, and, naturally, they look to push the ball and score in transition whenever possible. While the guards may look small (5'9, 6'0, 6'1, 6'3), Chaisson and Farmer are physical and very tough. Johnson or Drake may have an opportunity to exploit a height mismatch on Chaisson (6'1), but Stout is exceptional at swarming the ball and recovering off their line. Theyre long and quick, so the doubles in the post are highly effective. If Forkrud can step outside and knock a few down, Nonemacher will have to leave the blocks, and the mismatch for Johnson or Drake will be much more effective. Without that, Nonemacher almost eliminates the notion of posting up due to his shot blocking abilities both on the ball and from the weakside. Carletons offensive patience will serve them well against the kind of defense Stout likes to play, and they will have to dictate the pace when they have the ball. Its a classic 'clash of styles' kind of game. Put up or shut up time in the MIAC/WIAC debate.

[BDB]

Kneez,

Heck of a take on Stout.

One more thing to add. The BlueDevils play a match-up zone specifically to keep the 7 footers in the paint. They don't want them wandering away from the basket to guard someone.

Another thing about Farmer. He's 6'3" but he plays like he's 6'7". The guy really elevates and has the prettiest jump shot in the WIAC.

[Nites]

Superfan,

Stoudt plays what almost looks like a 4 guard offense with an eraser in the middle.  Carleton will have an overall height advantage in the middle, but they will need to be cognizant of the eraser.  One key to their offensive success may be interior passing in the paint.  If they cut to the hoop when doubled, then they can exploit their height advantage.  They also need to board better then usual.

[sumander]

I hate Lawrence more then any team in America, but damn they are good this year.  I've been reading what you guys have written today and yesterday and you make a lot of good points.  But the key to stopping Lawrence is NOT stopping Braier....because he's going to hurt you in some way. Over on the MWC board we talk about him like he's BILL BRASKI...can do anything.  Braier is not known for his scoring but his ability to rebound everywhere on the court and just make the right play.  Lawrence is a beatable team, but when MacGillis goes off or Bradley or Kroger, you have no chance to win...especially at home.  We keep talking about stats here, but something that hasn't been emphasized enough is the teams over-whelming man pressure.  They make you do things you don't want to do and eventually they wear you out.    I played in the MWC for Ripon and I can tell you I've never seen a team react to an individual player like LU does.  They feed off his energy.  Do me a favor, if any of you Tommies make down to Appleton for the game, just see how the crowd/players react to Braier's name when it's introduced....the whole place erupts and it's truly electric.  LU has won 21 straight home games there and 34 out of 35 dating back to 2003.

If I had any game plan to install for playing Lawrence, I would attack down low all day.  Braier is only 6'4'' and can be scored on.  LU thrives on dribble penetration and finding the open man.  It really is impressive how selfless they are with one another.

MWC4LIFE, Nice post. Thanks for the insight, for those of us who have not seen LU play this gives us(me) a better sense of what the Tommies are going to need to do to play with them.

[Sam Johnson]

Stick in my 2 cents as an LU fan.

1) The man of many talents.   MWC4Life has it right. Braier does it all (leads LU in ppg, rpg, assist per game, 2nd in steals per game) so if he's held in check offensively, he'll use his great passing ability to find the open man.  Is he physical? Um...yes! In 4 years of watching him play I've only seen him lose ONE rebound that he got both hands on.  His strength is amazing.

2) DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE.  LU wins their games right here.  Someone asked in an earlier post if MacGillis defended GAC's stud last year...the answer would be yes.  Kyle's task every game is to shut down the best player on the other team.  Its his mission, and he succeeds a lot.  Its why he was first team all-MWC without having the best stat line of all the candidates.

3) No one rides the pine. LU has a deep bench.  On the road at #14 Carroll College this year, down 5 with 10 minutes left in the first half...who is on the floor? 4 freshman and a sophmore.  LU isn't afraid to play their talented young kids in big situations.  They've done it all year and its paid off big.  They're going to have to sit kids for the NCAA's who saw moderate action this season.  This is one of LU's best weapons.

4) Outside Shooting. As noted before, if Kroeger gets hot you're in big trouble.  But there are other young sharpshooters able to take his place if needed.  Even the tallest kid (Klekamp) on the team is known for gunning clutch 3's

5) The Road to Salem Runs Through Alex. Its the silly little saying of LU fans, but its also true.  Alexander Gym is small and loud.  It'll prob cost LU their shot at a Sectional, but I don't think anyone would trade it for the world.  The support the team gets is phenomonal.

I don't know much about this year's UST team, but I'm looking forward to a great game.  I think LU will win, but I'm betting the Tommies give us a good run.  Hope some of you can make it over...there's nothing like a lil' tourney road trip in March! 

[ustbumkneez]

mwc4life
Thanks for the insight. Lawrence is a very good team, Im just not sure they are the best team in DIII, as a few of your fellow MWC posters have come on to this board to trumpet. They are incredibly tough at home, which you no doubt know first hand considering you went there as an opposing player on a few occasions.
Ive seen them play twice this year, and their pressure defense is tough. Few teams I have seen this year play the kind of defense that the Tommies will see on Saturday, it really is impressive. That said, I think Sweeney is a heady enough PG that he can handle it-the real offensive question is whether or not Schnettler will get his looks with that kind of pressure. The X factor is always Keating, as watchmen stated, because you basically know what youre going to get from the other 4 every night. Hes a gamer, so I expect big things from him.
As you alluded to, its integral to limit MacGillis, and keep Kroger, who has shown the ability to knock down some tough shots in big games, from getting too many good looks in order to knock off the Vikings. I think the biggest key for UST will be controlling Bradley, especially, and the rest of the guards. Bradley can score in bunches, and can take over a game, as he did against your Red Hawks this year (33), so I think it will be of the utmost importance for the Tommies to lock down the perimeter and force Braier and his fellow posts to win the game. Again, like you said, Braier makes his impact on the boards, expecially keeping posessions alive on the offensive end and giving his team extra looks. I think Shimek is a tough and physical enough guy where he can reduce Braiers ability to get to the glass, and keep him from making too much of an impact. I still think Braier will have a double double, the guy is going to be a three time All American so you dont shut players like him down, but hopefully only from collecting a handful of Tommie misses will he get that. If UST can limit Lawrence to one posession, and play a methodically paced offenseive game, I like their chances. Should be a great game, looking forward to experiencing "The Alex". Prediction: UST by 4

[mwc4life]

No problem guys...I didn't want you to think all of the MWC posters were crazy

USTBUMKNEEZ~

Yeah, I was at that game when Ripon went down in Appleton.  They had every oportunity to win that game, but Bradley scored 20 straight points to close the game.  I agree that Lawrence can be beaten and while they might not rank up there as the most talented #1 team in recent memory, you can BANK on this:  They won't beat themselves.  There is no question here as to whether or not they are gonna bring it or play their "A" game.  They will bring their "A" game everytime...hence the undefeated record.  But I feel LU can lose if another team brings their "A" game for 40 MINUTES (not 39) that is more athletic/talented.  LU played a lot of close games this year, but found a way to win all of them. 

And quite honestly, what does the history of a HOME court tell you.  It's very hard to win on the road against an above average team...Just think how hard it's going to be to win on the road against one of the nations best.

[Sam Johnson]

http://www.lawrence.edu/athletics/mbasketball/previews0506/ncaasecondround.pdf

Game preview from the LU SID.

[Willy Wonka]

Flattering, truly, but I think the fans should worry more about how long of a drive home it's going to be.

The Larry trainer posts too?? Truly a versatile team player!