WBB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[gacbacker]

Gusties had it in their grasps and fell apart after the charge call against Monahan that Willy eluded too. Horrible Call! Horrible! The ref that called it was that old woman who has been around forever. She needs to retire that's for sure. She and her two partners also missed a clear lane violation on the Cobbers that would have kept the score at 60-55 on the front end of a one and one.

Monahan had 22, but only 2 points after being yanked after picking up her third foul on that charge.

Hageman and Ehlert played very well and made key plays when the Cobbers needed it.

Congrats to the Knights...although the Blazers still have a shot at the tournament if Concordia wins the championship I think.

[peachbasket]

Wow, I have been away for a long time!! Italy is crazy right now with the Olympics and all!!
Just off the plane and all I have to say is:
Congratulations to my Cobbers, GREAT WIN! 
gacbacker - I would venture to guess the old woman and her running mates missed a few calls the other way that could have proven critical for the Cobbs.  They ALWAYS do!!
Boy am I very sorry to see the Bennies lose.
Will be a great game in Moorhead on Saturday!

[Willy Wonka]

Vadnais and Monahan combined to finished 16-34, scoring 38 of GACs 55 points. The rest of the team shot 4-19. The worry at the beginning of the season comes to fruition at the worst possible time

Thank the Lord the Carleton SID is on the ball. The CSB web site doesn't even have the outcome listed anywhere yet. Bennies blow a 15-point second half lead the day after SJU blows an 18-point lead. Vig leads the way with 25 and 6, but some Kunelius girl came off the bench to hit six 3's in tallying 18 and 6. Kempe and Noreen combine to go 4-28 for CSB. Yuck!

Sad week in the Cloud as the locals are outscored by 29 in the second half of crunch time games. Happy times around the rest of the state

I wonder if the Carlies might somehow sneak away with home court advantage for the title game. The Cobbers have high school tourneys scheduled the bulk of the day/night Saturday, creating a scheduling nightmare. Maybe they'll play in the FargoDome, as the Cobber football team had to do last year. Or, maybe, they could meet halfway in, say, St. Joes?

gacbacker - Eluded to? Are you sure you're a writer?  

[blazerball]

The refs suck!  Carleton is a bunch of hacks!  Heikenen got fouled at the end of the game!  Noreen got hacked all game long and no calls!  Only 11 fouls called on Carleton because Tammy intimidated the refs and they are in her back pocket - they must have some secret arrangement or must have bought them off! 

Please note that the above is said seriously --- Wonka and Vigs sister might have a stroke if they thought I was serious.  BUT I GUARANTEE THOSE FOLKS FROM NORTHFIELD OR SAINT PETER WOULD SAY SUCH THINGS AND BE SERIOUS IF THEY HAD LOST TO CSB!

No real complaints about the game other than the Blazers pretty much giving it away.  Up 15 points in the second half and they went ice cold.  Sarah Kunelius - who has 28 threes this season - hits 6 with 5 in the second half to bring them all the way back.  Vig was good but the ONLY reason Carleton was not blown out was because of big three after big three by Kunelius.  The Blazer defense kept losing her and she was dead on all night long.  Kempe had the flu and played like it only going 3-14 and Noreen was an abyssmal 1-14.  Heikenen put up 20 and 11 but Carleton took her away in OT.  Overall, it was a fun game to watch even though the Blazers really let it slip away.

The good news is that the Gusties also lost so Wonka and some of the other blowhards from GACkerland had to endure a looooooooong, sad bus/car ride back from Moorhead.  Plus, GAC is done for sure where the Blazers have a realistic shot at an at-large.  Those who doubt it can look at the region records and see that the Blazers are not in that bad a situation even with the loss...although a win tonight would have been very nice.  Region records are a HUGE factor in how the new at-large berths are selected.

Looking at the region records - the loser Saturday will definitely not get a bid.  The Blazers have a shot because they are 19-4 in the region and were the outright MIAC regular season champions.  Now, we just need to have Simpson and Pacific Luteran win their conference tournaments!

[Nites]

In deference to WW (in shorthand), LTRFTP.  That said, thanks for the game update blazerball.

In looking at the stats, it's hard to imagine Carleton winning when they got pummeled 24 to 9 on the offensive glass and the Bennies hoisted 25 more shots.  Did Vig pretty much take over at the end and will the Knight to victory?

What's your prediction for Saturday?

[gacbacker]

Willy, you tri speling corecktly aftir geting up at sevin in the morening and then rideing the buss to morehead befoar whatching a Gusty loss.   

[renaisscoach]

Was able to pick up the game on line and see some on the computer in ultra-herky-jerky slo-mo of my antiquated computer. GREAT second half in what I've previously dubbed the "Carleton Classic." I think the Knights are like 12-1 in the tourney and unbeaten on the road--according to the Bennie broadcaster whom I thank for his good play-by-play---faily unbiased, too, I might add, albeit, ya gotta show some support for your pay check as he did.

In addition to the exciting game I though the interview after the game was classic Coach Mike-classy. My hats off to my far off friend even though I'm a Knight through and through. Hopefully you'll still get a bid. the more MIACers-da better.


RC

[Willy Wonka]

So much to say, so much to say, so much to say...where to start.

Anyway...about tomorrow night. For those unable to make the trip, I'd suggest videocasting the GAC/CC and listening to the CC/CSB game on the net. That's going to be my plan anyway. While I've brought it up, I'm going to throw out my post on the guys side from earlier today as well.

My pizza is on the way. Tonight should be fun.

Memo to Cella: You have at least fan extremely unhappy with the following message.

"Note: We are currently having technical difficulties with the video and audio streams. We apologize for the inconvenience and are hopeful to have the problem solved during the semifinal game."

52-45 with 4:39 to play. It was tied at 44 and the Cobbs reeled off an 8 - 0 run.

A Vadnais 3-pointer which would have put the Gusties up 47-44 I believe was wiped out on perhaps the weakest charge call I've seen - at least via this sketchy vidcast CC has going on. No one fell ever and barely anyone moved...

Undies in a bundle - I'm just curious, but which one of those four posts made you think I would have to endure the bus ride home? If it wasn't obvious before that your critical thinking skills were lacking, it is now.

Vig was good but the ONLY reason Carleton was not blown out was because of big three after big three by Kunelius.

Really? Heike missing 14 of 23 shots, including the game-winner, wasn't a factor? What about Noreen's 1-14 and Kempe's 3-14 performances? Maybe if your Bennies had shot better than 34%, you'd have a point. Give credit where credit is due - to the Carlies defense.

Plus, GAC is done for sure where the Blazers have a realistic shot at an at-large.  Those who doubt it can look at the region records and see that the Blazers are not in that bad a situation even with the loss...

The Gusties are done, but you seem a little too confident for being upset on your home court in the semis. Why? If 24-3 (20-2 MIAC) wasn't good enough, who's to say 21-5 (19-4) is? If you don't know, you better acts someone.

Personally, I'd be nervous, especially given the strength of the league this season as evidenced by the polls all year.

Nites - Welcome aboard and thanks. Take note of the 'Beware the Bennie posters' sign on your left 

[LA RAMS]

WOW!!!!  WHAT an unbelievable game last night up at Claire Lynch.  Hopefully just another one in an already long line of Carleton-CSB classics.  I'm not sure but I'm guessing that Megan Vig must have ice water running through her veins with that 3-pointer and 2 FT's in the waning moments of regulation.  And FY Sarah Kunelius blazing away in the second half with a barrage of 3's.  Finally, how about that gutsy move down the lane by Andrea Korb and her jumper that clinched it for the Knights?  Just incredible when you consider that CSB was oh so close to putting a daisy on the thing when they got up by 15.  It could have all went kablooey from there.  Now it's on to Moorhead to take on the Corn.......

Blazer fans, for what it's worth, as euphoric as I was over my Knights coming out on top, I couldn't help but feel some heartache for your no. 34.  Certainly a terrific player for sure but an even better human being.  I would hope that, with a 21-5 (19-4) record and an expanded Dance that your team already has its invite in the mail.  Certainly the Blazers are deserving enough.  What the NCAA ninnies have in mind is enough to scare the living bejeebies out of me, though.

Not such a great night for the Gusties who saw their MIAC title hopes and likely an invite to the Dance go down the toilet last night (all right, how 'bout an obligatory WHOOSH! here).  The expectations weren't very high to begin with but when they suddenly made themselves a legit title contender they managed to disappoint in the end - AGAIN.  Will next year be the year for them?  Your guess is as good as mine.

[Maroon&Gold]

The Internet had to go out at work Today of all days.....AAHHHHH!!!!

Okay, here is my perspective from courtside last night in Moorhead.  Cobbers come out smoking hot, and get themselves a nice early cushion, and go in up 9?? at the break.  Gusties take control to start the second half adn tie the game at 44. 
Now  to "the call"   Was it somewhat weak?? yes, I would not have called it, however it did come on the heels of atleast 2 borderline calls that go against the Cobbs, so I don't think it was the determining factor. The same ref (short old lady) jobbed the Cobbers in Bethel earlier this year, so I take no offense to saying that she is bad.

It was a lot of fun to see Hageman and Monohan go at it all night.  Two very skilled and athletic post players going tot-to-toe.  So what was the difference in the game? I think it was a couple things.  Concordia got some sorely needed offensive production from Elhert and Hientz at clutch times, and got absolutely shut down defense from Keeley on Vadnais.

Congrats to the Gusties on a very nice year, and they will be a scary team next year as well.  Both times watching GAC I was most impressed with their defensive pressure and quickness, it was by far the best I saw all year.

Schedule Answer:  Two of the 6 high school games have been moved from saturday to friday, so the Cobber vs Knight  MIAC Final will be saturday at 1:00 PM at Memorial Auditorium.

whew.....

[Willy Wonka]

M&G - The video feed was sketchy at best last night. It faded out on me for around 4 possessions and it came back in right when Monahan was called for the charge. Thanks for the clarification.

Ehlert had five straight after the Gusties tied it up. She was tough. Hageman had a relatively quiet 18 and 9. The Cobbers just seemed to hit shots when they needed to, whereas the Gusties didn't.

On a sidenote, if that's the quality of the video to be expected in the future, I wouldn't recommend ANY MIAC school paying 10k for it. I wouldn't have paid more than a dollar for last night's viewing and would have complained if they charged that much. Thankfully, it's free this year...

[Maroon&Gold]

M&G - The video feed was sketchy at best last night. It faded out on me for around 4 possessions and it came back in right when Monahan was called for the charge. Thanks for the clarification.

Ehlert had five straight after the Gusties tied it up. She was tough. Hageman had a relatively quiet 18 and 9. The Cobbers just seemed to hit shots when they needed to, whereas the Gusties didn't.

On a sidenote, if that's the quality of the video to be expected in the future, I wouldn't recommend ANY MIAC school paying 10k for it. I wouldn't have paid more than a dollar for last night's viewing and would have complained if they charged that much. Thankfully, it's free this year...

Talking to Cella last night, he told me that they were having trouble with the webcast stuff, so I don't know if that is what it will always be like or not.

Hopefully Memorial is somewhat full saturday, the students are off for spring break.

[blazerball]

Wonka,
I'm very happy to hear you did not have to endure the long drive home from Moorhead after the GACker loss.  As for your comments regarding the at-large bid.  Do you even follow D3 news?  You must not.  Otherwise, you would know that the tournament field has expanded to 63 and there are now 21 at-large bids instead of the 4-5 there were in previous years.  Last year, 21-5 might not have done it but this year, with 16-17 more at-large bids going out there is a much better chance if a team is 21-5 and the outright regular season conference champion.  Take a spin around the other regions and look at region records and you will see that CSB is not in really awful shape ---- a 19-4 region record should be in the top 21 after the automatic bids are done.  Do your homework, learn about the tournament, look at the regions, and then make your comments...

Also, just to clarify - Heikenen did not get a chance to take a final shot last night so she did not miss "the game-winner."  She never got her hands on the ball - Lincoln got the ball on a scramble.  I believe I mentioned Noreen and Kempe's performances.  Learn to read.  Carleton played good defense in the second half but the Blazers missed plenty of wide open shots that were not due to Carleton defense.

Renaissance Coach - glad to have you back on the board!  Long time, no post!  Glad you could catch some of the game on the web - I also thought Durbin did a nice job in the post-game interview after a tough loss that slipped away from his squad.

[blazerguy]

Painful loss last night for the Blazers. Not alot to add to what was already posted except I agree that #50 was in a zone last night. What a performance. She not only hit the long threes but forced the Blazers to spred out our defense and cover her all over the court, which of course opened it up underneath. It was disappointing to see the officials put away the whistles the last few minutes and in overtime, as there were numerous obvious calls let go. The worse being the in-bounds pass with 2.2 seconds left when Anna was held back from getting the pass, allowing the steal. BUT, listen up Willy, the officials did NOT, I repeat NOT, decide the outcome, Carlton won the game and deserved to, the Blazers had their chances and missed them, congratulations!!

[Maroon&Gold]

Will Wonka: you sure seem to agitate a lot of Blazer fans. I can't imagine why that would be though