MBB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Cali-Scot]

I've seen several posts saying Witt should get to host next weekend.   

My question is does that have to do with geography or seeding or something else?

[fantastic50]

It's my understanding that it is very rare for a school to host regionals two years in a row.  Last year, Wooster hosted (even though they weren't the top seed remaining).  I think that seeding is fairly close between Wooster and Witt (perhaps unofficially #4 and #5 in that region), so my guess is that Witt gets the regional this year, instead of Woo.

[Cali-Scot]

It's my understanding that it is very rare for a school to host regionals two years in a row.  Last year, Wooster hosted (even though they weren't the top seed remaining).  I think that seeding is fairly close between Wooster and Witt (perhaps unofficially #4 and #5 in that region), so my guess is that Witt gets the regional this year, instead of Woo.

Being the Wooster fan that I am I'd love to see the Scots playing at home next weekend.  But that rationale makes sense.  Has a team EVER hosted the sectionals two years in a row?  What if you are simply the best team in the region back to back years? Do they make you travel for sure?

[seinfeld]

It's my understanding that it is very rare for a school to host regionals two years in a row.  Last year, Wooster hosted (even though they weren't the top seed remaining).  I think that seeding is fairly close between Wooster and Witt (perhaps unofficially #4 and #5 in that region), so my guess is that Witt gets the regional this year, instead of Woo.

Amherst and Williams host pretty much every year. I mentioned last week that this was a factor for Wooster in 2007 in not hosting, and may come up again. But can someone site a specific example of a team NOT hosting the first two rounds, then hosting the Sectional, jumping over a team that had hosted the first two rounds and was still in the tournament?

[seinfeld]

Quickly, Williams hosted both in 2010 and 2011, Amherst both in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Virginia Wesleyan in 2006 and 2007, Wooster in 2003 and 2004, Williams in 2003 and 2004.

[nicevilledave]

Seinfeld makes excellent points.  Wooster was chosen to host rounds 1&2 and won.  Ego Wooster ought to be the sectional host.  Wittenberg may make geographical sense now, but it got sent south for rounds 1&2.  That said the NCAA does some weird things, and we'll know tomorrow.

[wooscotsfan]

I noted on the map that St. Louis (Wash U.) and Wooster are over 500 miles apart, so if Hope goes down tonight but the other "seeds" advance, my guess is that Witt would be hosting the regional, based primarily on geography.  If Hope wins, I would certainly expect the regional to be up in Holland.

What is the probability of North Central, Wittenberg, Illinois Wesleyan and Wooster being the teams left in the sectional?  That scenario would likely have Wooster hosting and it would be a NCAC - CCIW showdown! 

The probability is now 100%!   As far as Wooster hosting, there is still a chance that the NCAA could pick another site but the Scots look like they have the inside track now with both Hope and Wash U. losing tonight!

[wooscotsfan]

Saw at great game by Wooster at Timken tonight!  Scots shot the ball incredibly well at nearly 53% from the floor and they also won the boards 38-32.  Wooster also played excellent defense and contained 2 of Capital's top scorers - Winter and Niekamp were both held below their averages.

Senior Justin Hallowell was on fire in the 2nd half as he took 6 three point shots and made 5 of them to lead the Scots with 20 points.  Josh Claytor's ankle looked better tonight which is encouraging after back to back games.  Wooster will need strong performances from Claytor if they are going to advance further in the tourney.

Senior Justin Warnes played probably his best game of the season with 14 points, 8 boards, 4 assists and strong defense on Capital's best guard (Winter).

The OAC was down this year as Capital won their conference and they were beaten this season by Wooster, Wittenberg, Ohio Wesleyan and Denison as well.  Strength of the NCAC shows with 2 teams in the Sweet 16!

Congratulations to Wittenberg on a dominating win over Carroll tonight!

Great night to be a NCAC fan and a Wooster fan! 

[fantastic50]

If money is a factor, that might help Wooster, because (despite tonight's crowd of only about 2000 by my estimate)  a regional would draw 3000+ both nights.

[imderekpoe]

Seinfeld makes excellent points.  Wooster was chosen to host rounds 1&2 and won.  Ego Wooster ought to be the sectional host.  Wittenberg may make geographical sense now, but it got sent south for rounds 1&2.  That said the NCAA does some weird things, and we'll know tomorrow.

I'd bet that North Central's Graduate Assistant Coach would love for the sectional to be held at Wooster!

[Gregory Sager]

Seinfeld makes excellent points.  Wooster was chosen to host rounds 1&2 and won.  Ego Wooster ought to be the sectional host.  Wittenberg may make geographical sense now, but it got sent south for rounds 1&2.  That said the NCAA does some weird things, and we'll know tomorrow.

I'd bet that North Central's Graduate Assistant Coach would love for the sectional to be held at Wooster!

I can pretty much guarantee that Ian Franks would much, much rather have the sectional be held next weekend in the airplane hangar in "beautiful" downtown Naperville.

[woosterbooster]

If money is a factor, that might help Wooster, because (despite tonight's crowd of only about 2000 by my estimate)  a regional would draw 3000+ both nights.

Yeah, especially now that we know we can't rely on the announced video.

I'm hoping for Wooster, but expecting Wittenberg.  My fear is the "two years in a row" thing for Sectionals.  It's just too close between the two schools as far as seeding, Wooster already hosted the first round, and Witt is also more geographically centered.  Plus, you can get a drink on any corner in Springfield.

By the way, Illinois Wesleyan looked pretty darned good.  North Central, I don't know, I didn't get to see that much of that game.

[wooscotsfan]

Congratulations to Wooster senior Matt Fegan who broke an NCAA Div. III career record with his 125th game played tonight!
The previous record was held by Virginia Wesleyan College's Tonton Balenga (124; 2005-08).

[goscots]

Congratulations to Wooster senior Matt Fegan who broke an NCAA Div. III career record with his 125th game played tonight!
The previous record was held by Virginia Wesleyan College's Tonton Balenga (124; 2005-08).

Justin Hallowell eclipsed 300 treys for his career tonight. It's nowhere near an NCAA III record (that belongs to - GASP! - John Grotberg of Grinnell - 526) but it is probably still a pretty rare milestone for a DIII player.

[kiltedbryan]

I believe this is the first time the Scots have made the Sweet Sixteen in three consecutive seasons--at least in the Steve Moore era.

This year's seniors are now 10-3 all time in NCAA play. Pretty darn good.

Also, anyone know anything about home winning streaks in the NCAAs? The Scots have now won 10 straight NCAA home games. The last time the Timken faithful went home disappointed from an NCAA tournament game was the 2004 section final loss to John Carroll. Overall, I have the Scots as 15-1 at home in the NCAAs since 2003.