MBB: MAC Freedom League

[NEPAFAN]

Those schools [Drew, Moravian, Susquehanna, and Juniata]bring nothing to the MAC.

That's a sweeping and inaccurate generalization, especially concerning the latter three venues.

WT-

I was referring to the new teams not the old ones.

[Warren Thompson]

NEPAFAN:

Sorry, I misunderstood ....

As to Shenandoah, at least they bring the MAC another football-playing member.

[NEPAFAN]

NEPAFAN:

Sorry, I misunderstood ....

As to Shenandoah, at least they bring the MAC another football-playing member.

No worries. That is a heck of a bus trip for most MAC schools. Maybe Scranton and Desales will add Football.

[Warren Thompson]

That is a heck of a bus trip for most MAC schools.

Yes, but not as long some trips Susquehanna will soon be taking (e.g., to St. Lawrence).

[Leo The Lion]

Speaking of our beloved MAC Freedom league

Although must people here already knew this, it looks like our MAC will not be in line for any at-large bids, since the Freedom league has 0 representation in the Regional Rankings.  I know, I know its a shocker!  I thought the voters would look past those losses to BBC, Chesnut Hill, and Marywood.

-Leo

[saratoga]

NEPAfan: Personally, I believe Scranton will move to a new conference BEFORE they add football. About last night...I've got to go with Coach Danzig as Coach of the Year right now. What his team has accomplished thus far with all their injuries has been nothing less than spectacular. I mean they are starting a player right now that averaged LESS than 2 minutes per game the first 6 games of the year and another who was averaging about 3. Pretty unbelievable when you really think about it.

[Coach C]

Well Shenandoah helps for lacrosse.  Alvernia helps for hoops and baseball.  Academics, ehhh well not much help there.

C

[gordonmann]

I've heard these names thrown around before.  Shen does help for football and has a fantastic stadium in Winchester.  It's not next door for a lot of MAC teams, but neither was Juniata.

I've also heard The College of New Jersey mentioned on several occasions, for what it's worth.

[Section J Guy]

NEPAfan: Personally, I believe Scranton will move to a new conference BEFORE they add football. About last night...I've got to go with Coach Danzig as Coach of the Year right now. What his team has accomplished thus far with all their injuries has been nothing less than spectacular. I mean they are starting a player right now that averaged LESS than 2 minutes per game the first 6 games of the year and another who was averaging about 3. Pretty unbelievable when you really think about it.

-BEFORE they add football? Do you think they would ever add football?

-Danzig for coach of the year, who else is there?

[naismith]

CC,

"Met Father Colonel last night and talked about days of yonder. That's when it hit me that I'm old. ".

I assume you were not talking about me...lol.
I can remember hanging up that very first peach basket like it was yesterday...

As you know CC, when I walked in the gym and saw the "High Fiver" was calling the game, I immediately knew a big "L" was in store for the Colonel faithful.

John S and his other zebra called a very fair and solid game. "High Fiver" 1st 10 whistles.............9 against Wilkes and 1 against Scranton.  If JS had not overruled him on an out of bounds off Scranton, High Fiver would have scored a perfect '10'.

Yep, and it was "High Fiver" who called a phantom walk on Kline, and ejected Walters over an inadvertant elbow but passed on the elbow that Kline took right in front of him.  

CC, if I get a shot of his Lyco antics, I am taking this renegade ref to the authorities.  (maybe I'll just take him Old Forge....lol)

As to the actual  game, Scranton has a fine trio of perimeter shooters. Wilkes did a nice job on Arnold but Cannon and Kirk hurt them outside. The Aussie played well (he is really developing quickly) while Burke was active. Ex-Walters, I thought Scranton hurt Wilkes with some inside play, 2nd and third shots etc.
They played a better 2nd half and deserved the win.

For Wilkes, they played an excellent first half overall. As CJ noted, Scranton's 8-0 run with 1:30 left in the half was a bad omen and 5 consecutive missed FT's early 2nd half added to the gloom. Except for Kline, Wilkes had trouble creating any good shots. Steve Kline demonstrated an ability to get to the basket with some nifty moves. He could really be a force over the next few years.
With Gould's foul trouble, Sclafani saw quite a bit of action and was a positive force. Made a lot of 'hustle' plays. Good to see.

The Conference appears wide open. Wilkes has Kings next week while DeSales still has Lyco and Scranton.  And Lyco has Scranton and DeSales.

CJ,
If Wilkes wins out 10-4 might do it (2 wins over Kings). Out of Scranton, DeSales and Lyco, either they all lose one or someone loses 2.

Down the stretch they come........

Naismith

[cold_case]

Anyone who is ticked by the "high-fiving" official better brace themselves. He has a son that is also a ref and he does college games. I saw him officiate King's at Scranton a couple weeks ago. Same full name, just Jr. attached to the end.

Naismith, in all honesty, I never saw Walters throw the elbow since I was pre-occupied by a lady sitting behind me and about 10 feet to my right. You know how it is? She knew I was looking and never seemed to mind.
Anyway, the TL reporter next to me yelled out loud as soon as it happened and told me it was a blatant cheap shot.
He added that it could be his finishing move should he decide to make the WWE Circus his future calling.

[ColonelJohn4Life]

The EW elbow went like this.  He was being stuffed by 2 illegal screens, and fought threw it the only way he could.  Once his elbow was in mid-air, you could see the thought being processed, "Hmmm, the blind ref who hasn't gotten a call right all night is the only one who can see me.  My elbow is already at eye-level, and, heh, screw Scranton.  Go for it."

Naismith, in all candid honesty, how the F--- does Wilkes beat King's on Valentine's Day?  King's has won, feel free to correct me, 9 conference games in a row.  The Wilkes win over King's was (a) in OT, because (b) Shovlin, who's, y'know, not playing now, went absolutely off.  I know he's back by then, but with an enraged coach, will he play the full 40, or want to?  In the final 22 minutes vs. UofS, Wilkes scored exactly 19 points.

All that said, isn't there a point where both fan bases can see a ref walk in, and go, "Oh no, not THAT guy!"... a point where the MAC goes, "BOTH of you think this guy's incompetent?  Show me film."  What's the formal recall system on guys like this "referee"?

[NEPAFAN]

This just in. Wilkes coach Jerry Rickrode didn't miss the Scranton game because of illness. It turns out he was suspended by the school for inappropriate actions caused during his argument with Chris Shovlin. Now I wonder if CS was suspended by Rickrode or the school?


End of an era?

[NEPAFAN]

Speaking of our beloved MAC Freedom league

Although must people here already knew this, it looks like our MAC will not be in line for any at-large bids, since the Freedom league has 0 representation in the Regional Rankings.  I know, I know its a shocker!  I thought the voters would look past those losses to BBC, Chesnut Hill, and Marywood.

-Leo

Don't look now but Chestnut Hill is rapidly approaching .500

[naismith]

 

"Naismith, in all candid honesty, how the F--- does Wilkes beat King's on Valentine's Day? King's has won, feel free to correct me, 9 conference games in a row. "

CJ,

I assume you posted this after imbibing a few with John, "the good Ref" and some of King's finest. Of course, the Monarch cagers were drinking Cokes .......Maybe Coach JP was there or even the AD ....keeping an eye on things.....(huh CC...lol)  Or maybe math wasn't your forte

Kings is on a 1 game losing streak as the Pribblemachine (retooled and refitted) has his merry band of Warriors playing like a million bucks. Maybe the team to beat come playoff time.

Now, my dear CJ,  how is it that you don't address me formally....senior statesman and he whoeth inventeth this games deserves more respect. It is Mr. Naismith to you Jr. or, at the least, Sir James!! 8)

How to beat Kings you ask??
Outscore them!
How?
A simple formula for a pharma guy

1) A dose of "Zoneum"  known to reduce fouls and help one rebound. Must identify opposing marksman and close out quickly for best results.
2) A dash of "Pressum"--known to create TO's (the apple variety...not the eagles ilk)...Kings has a slow lineup and fast lineup. Use against the tortoises. The Colonels can put some real speed on the floor. Maybe not John Thompson Hoyamania or Nolan Richardson '90 feet of hell' but, in small amounts, "Pressum" can create havoc and deflate opponents. If the Easy Layup side effect persists, stop treatments and see the Coach.
3) InsideOutem--legacy otc formulation. Mikan, Chamberlain, Russell all prescribed. Kicks the ball in low. Post players attack rim drawing fouls. As defense sags, quick ball movement to the outside creates open '3's'.
4) Large dose of "Breakum" --this is reformulated version of the stuff that the Cousy Celtics first introduced.  "Breakum" creates easy baskets and open looks.  Mos effective off defensive rebound and/or steal but can be utilized even after a made basket.  

Avoid:
1) "RefSnipe" --contagious and unproductive. Can lead to "TeamSnipe"---worse than "RefSnipe" and often fatal to team concept.
2)  "Foulem"---need antidote...first doses to Walters and Gould. If unchecked, "Foulem" can afflict one for multiple games and, in rare cases, an entire season.
3)  "Screensum"  this hoop affliction is noted for the abscence of fighting through screens, switching, or jumping out to help.  Coupled with
4) "Incommunicado" ---this can lead to T.o's, "teamsnipe" and other afflictions.  A healthy dose of "Hoosiers" pre-game eve has been known to cure this condition.

Now get to work in your lab oh yee of little faith!!

That is the formula. Half of it may still get the Colonels there.......We shall see if they have character and will.

Naismith