MBB: USA South Conference

[captj]

OK, one hour and counting.  Anyone want to guess how long it will take narch to research the entire world wide web to find every single instance of CNU being in a scenario where we came up short in my "championship" criteria above?

[ScotsFan]

- if i remember correct, su played cow to a 1 point game last year, so anything can happen -

Shenandoah actually lost to Wooster 69-63 last year @ Embry Riddle in Florida.  It was a closer game than what everybody thought it would be, but the game was actually never really in doubt.  Wooster is very aware of the fact that Shenandoah gave them all they could handle and they lost 2 out of 3 times to Methodist last year as well.  This should be an interesting matchup on Saturday.  Methodist seems have not gotten off to a great start, which could be a bad thing for Wooster because they could come out hungry with something to prove against the #3 team in the country. 

Wooster has run out of a half court set in the past and they still do somewhat, but they are definately more of a perimeter oriented team than in years past.   They have 5 legit threats from three point range and a couple of freshman that could be once they get their feet wet enough.  The Scots also won't be afraid to run with anyone and pressure shouldn't bother them as they start 3 guards and their forward, Tom Port, is arguably their most versatile player and he can handle the rock as well. 

It will all boil down to how well Methodist can defend the perimeter.  If they can keep Wooster's sharp-shooters at bay and force them to have an off night shooting, they might have a chance at an upset.  If Wooster can continue to find open looks from the outside, it could make for a long night for the Monarchs.

[hoopshops]

I agree with you ScotsFan I think it will be a pretty interesting game between Wooster and Methodist.  Thankfully, in the past the Monarchs have been a pretty solid defensive team on the perimeter. Thomas, Grant, & Lee are more than capable defenders. Also, Hairston and McDonald can be solid. I just hope the Monarch big men can make an impact. I saw that Radmanovic had a pretty good weekend. If they defend Woosters guard and someone plays big inside the Monarchs might pull of an upset.

There has been a lot of love for MC lately on the board. Narch doesn't have to stand alone anymore. 

[captj]

I'm sitting here crunching numbers, trying to figure out how CNU can beat VWC tonight. 

The box score from last year's game isn't much help since CNU has so many new players, but some things do stand out –
CNU 52% fg for the game (not bad), but VWC 62%!!!
Rebounds even (Korey Lewis with ZERO rebounds in 16 minutes).
Rod Carey and Donta Selden were our best performers (Go Donta!).
We only attempted 6 3-pointers the entire game.  I've seen CNU games when we've taken that many in two possessions.  VWC made 10 of 15 and no player missed more than one. 
Hopeful idea from this data - maybe we can spread the floor some this year and shoot some treys instead of trying to pack it inside for the high percentage shot since that didn't work.

Observing VWC's season statistics from last year –
For a really good team they didn't seem too dominating on the boards (35.3 to 33.5 advantage).  Adair was their top rebounder (7.8) with no on else collecting even 5 per game.  Their second rebounder graduated.  Maybe that's why it seems like we went inside last year.
Deep.  They had 10 players with at least 10 min/gm and only one is not back.  Uh oh. 
Shot blocking (70-107 disadvantage). 
Hopeful idea from this data – maybe we can play the defensive game of our lives, collect the missed shots, and keep it close.

Observing stats from win over NCW –
VWC shot 60% fg, including 13 of 20 from looong.  Wow!
Outrebounded the Bishops 36-24.  Not too many boards for NCW when the Marlins make so many shots.
Very deep.  Nine players played at least 19 minutes.  They're not going to wear out.
Hopeful idea from this data – we're not the Bishops.

Observing stats from loss to Trinity –
VWC shot 41% fg, including only 3 of 18 on 3-ptrs.  Balenga 2 for 12 overall and 1 for 6 from long.  Hmmm.
Not so deep.  In a close game they only played five guys more than 17 minutes.  Maybe they're deep when they have the luxury to be so.
One blocked shot.
4 steals.
Hopeful idea from this data – that our guys come out and fiercely contest everything that the Marlins do FROM THE OPENING TIP TO THE FINAL BUZZER, EVERY SINGLE SECOND. 

Go Captains!!!!!!

[cnufan]

As long as Marcus Fitch doesnt go from baseline to baseline for the winning lay up like he did here two years ago in overtime!! 

Captj, we need to meet tonight!

[cnu85]

Captj - what a waste of time....VWC is gonna crush CNU tonight.

Narch - I can actually see the validity in each perspective of champs vs co-champs.

Personally, I think the schools look at it this way (as do many fans).....If you are the team that makes it to post season, then you refer to yourself as THE champs. If you are they team that was co-champion, but had to sit home, then you publish/boast about being co-champ. I bet if CNU football had to sit home any of those years, the media guide would have said co-champs.

It's all a recruiting tool - in my limited opinion.

[cnu85]

Goose - just turnaround...Captj is in row 2.

[cnufan]

Figures you all sit together!!

[cnu85]

I'm in the last row!!

[cnufan]

Who's fault is that??

[captj]

Goose -

We didn't even know each other until the last game. 

Buy a program and open it to the center spread... that's my smiling face there.  Introduce yourself when you recognize me.

I guess that all CNU fans will know who I am now.  That's OK, I'm proud to be CaptJ!!!!!

And 85; don't give up hope yet. 

[cnufan]

You used to email me all the time, didnt you??

[cnufan]

Oh damn, the J gives it away, son of a......

[eddie]

anything can happen
go capts

[eddie]

goose gates open at 630 or 7 i need to go up and get tickets before the line gets to long.
damn i should have got my season tickets