MBB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[smedindy]

The NCAA did something right with football this year, and hopefully soon it will award hosting to the most deserving teams and not be a total slave to the 500-mile rule.

However, I know they need to watch costs, but I think bracketing the tourney properly is the best way to go and if there are conflicts they're known in advance. Hosting should be the ultimate reward, not the result of happenstance based on a few miles.

/optimist
//not counting on change

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Also... let's see if football does that next year... that will let us know if was a real change.

Also, with football it is one game per decision... basketball there are more teams involved making the decisions a little more challenging.

500 miles comes into play far more for hosting decisions in basketball... where in football it makes it a bracketing decision. In basketball they can move it to a different team for hosting if it keeps everything inside of 500 miles. Football they have to make those types of decisions before they release the bracket.

[ScotsFan]

First of all, I would just like to express my displeasure to the NCAA for NOT releasing the final regional rankings.  Why do they need to be so freaking top secret?  But then again, if they did release them, it might have ended all the speculation as to why Wooster was awarded the Sectional and then what would we have to talk about?   

Personally, I am of the opinion that Wooster has been hosting because they did in fact jump Witt in the final regional rankings.  And I also would tend to agree with Dave M. in that Transy got to host last weekend due to BSU travel issues moreso than those of R-MC's.  I agree that there seem to have been more options available as to where to send R-MC as opposed to BSU. 

I also agree that if WashU beats NCC, Witt would be hosting this weekend and not Woo. 

Dave - I think a post on another board mentioned a distance issue between Wooster and Whittenberg that necessitated sending Whit to Translyvania?  As far as distance; despite the NCAA mileage tool; it seems to me IWU's bus driver clocked 499.5 the last trip to Wooster. It is also ironic the 4 CCIW teams get sent to Ohio - as on the Women's side IWU and Carthage are at Alliance 51 miles away

Well, I checked Google Maps and Yahoo Maps and they both had the distance from Bloomington to Wooster at 440 miles.  Shorter than the 500 mile trip (Google Maps had it 500 on the nose and Yahoo Maps actually had it at 502) Wooster had to make in the opening round of the tournament several years ago when they had to travel to Rock Island and host Augie...     

And what is the irony of 4 CCIW teams playing in Ohio exactly?  DePauw was the top seed in that section of the women's bracket and they were knocked off by Carthage making UMU the top remaining seed in that section and thus they were justly awarded hosting rights.  Not sure where the irony is in that? 

[kiltedbryan]

First of all, I would just like to express my displeasure to the NCAA for NOT releasing the final regional rankings.  Why do they need to be so freaking top secret?  But then again, if they did release them, it might have ended all the speculation as to why Wooster was awarded the Sectional and then what would we have to talk about?   

Personally, I am of the opinion that Wooster has been hosting because they did in fact jump Witt in the final regional rankings.  And I also would tend to agree with Dave M. in that Transy got to host last weekend due to BSU travel issues moreso than those of R-MC's.  I agree that there seem to have been more options available as to where to send R-MC as opposed to BSU. 

I also agree that if WashU beats NCC, Witt would be hosting this weekend and not Woo. 

Dave - I think a post on another board mentioned a distance issue between Wooster and Whittenberg that necessitated sending Whit to Translyvania?  As far as distance; despite the NCAA mileage tool; it seems to me IWU's bus driver clocked 499.5 the last trip to Wooster. It is also ironic the 4 CCIW teams get sent to Ohio - as on the Women's side IWU and Carthage are at Alliance 51 miles away

Well, I checked Google Maps and Yahoo Maps and they both had the distance from Bloomington to Wooster at 440 miles.  Shorter than the 500 mile trip (Google Maps had it 500 on the nose and Yahoo Maps actually had it at 502) Wooster had to make in the opening round of the tournament several years ago when they had to travel to Rock Island and host Augie...     

And what is the irony of 4 CCIW teams playing in Ohio exactly?  DePauw was the top seed in that section of the women's bracket and they were knocked off by Carthage making UMU the top remaining seed in that section and thus they were justly awarded hosting rights.  Not sure where the irony is in that? 

SF: I think there is a simple explanation for IWUmichiganders distance errors. After careful review of the IWU itinerary and the NCAA mileage tool, it appears that 60-mile detours through Ohio's Amish Country for cheese, pies, and wood stoves aren't accounted for in the official NCAA mileage tool. 

[ScotsFan]

SF: I think there is a simple explanation for IWUmichiganders distance errors. After careful review of the IWU itinerary and the NCAA mileage tool, it appears that 60-mile detours through Ohio's Amish Country for cheese, pies, and wood stoves aren't accounted for in the official NCAA mileage tool. 

Aha!  That would definitely explain things!   

[cave2bens]

SF: I think there is a simple explanation for IWUmichiganders distance errors. After careful review of the IWU itinerary and the NCAA mileage tool, it appears that 60-mile detours through Ohio's Amish Country for cheese, pies, and wood stoves aren't accounted for in the official NCAA mileage tool. 

True... a missed turn off US 30 and running to Shisler's (be kind - wifey's relatives  ) to turn-around (7 pt turn for bus in that lot) adds twenty-six miles alone, never mind a detour for fried bologna at Troyer's 

[David Collinge]

Pennstghs, I'll complain about the officials any goddamned time that I want, especially in a game that doesn't involve Wooster.  They were miserable, if unbiased, and should be put out of work as soon as possible.  Good choice going to the Big Ten tourney, because Wittenberg's going to get their ass handed to them by North Central.  And outside of anyone that makes the trip from Springfield, there won't be a person in the house offering them any sympathy.

ScotsFan: It looks like I have been "granted" a redo on my previous post. Which is probably a good thing... either way I am sticking by and reaffirming my statement that I have read countless idiotic posts from WoosterBooster. After years of following this thread I have come to believe he is a miserable person, who has no real basketball insight. Most posters (ScotFan included) have the sense to actually admit when they are wrong or when the team they follow was outplayed/ out-executed but not Wooster Booster it's always the refs fault.

And most of all, the only reason I did make my 9th career post is this gem: "because Wittenberg's going to get their ass handed to them by North Central." ... which of course could be correct by sheer luck but most likely is just WooBoo again posting something with no substance.

If you do have any basketball knowledge WooBoo you have completely fooled me.

Good Luck to the Tigers. WHO U WITT!

From the Terms of Service:
3. Posts that simply serve to bash another poster and do not discuss Division III sports will be removed.
I believe this one qualifies. There is no substance here, just ad hominems.

[iwumichigander]

First of all, I would just like to express my displeasure to the NCAA for NOT releasing the final regional rankings.  Why do they need to be so freaking top secret?  But then again, if they did release them, it might have ended all the speculation as to why Wooster was awarded the Sectional and then what would we have to talk about?   

Personally, I am of the opinion that Wooster has been hosting because they did in fact jump Witt in the final regional rankings.  And I also would tend to agree with Dave M. in that Transy got to host last weekend due to BSU travel issues moreso than those of R-MC's.  I agree that there seem to have been more options available as to where to send R-MC as opposed to BSU. 

I also agree that if WashU beats NCC, Witt would be hosting this weekend and not Woo. 

Dave - I think a post on another board mentioned a distance issue between Wooster and Whittenberg that necessitated sending Whit to Translyvania?  As far as distance; despite the NCAA mileage tool; it seems to me IWU's bus driver clocked 499.5 the last trip to Wooster. It is also ironic the 4 CCIW teams get sent to Ohio - as on the Women's side IWU and Carthage are at Alliance 51 miles away

Well, I checked Google Maps and Yahoo Maps and they both had the distance from Bloomington to Wooster at 440 miles.  Shorter than the 500 mile trip (Google Maps had it 500 on the nose and Yahoo Maps actually had it at 502) Wooster had to make in the opening round of the tournament several years ago when they had to travel to Rock Island and host Augie...     

And what is the irony of 4 CCIW teams playing in Ohio exactly?  DePauw was the top seed in that section of the women's bracket and they were knocked off by Carthage making UMU the top remaining seed in that section and thus they were justly awarded hosting rights.  Not sure where the irony is in that? 

SF: I think there is a simple explanation for IWUmichiganders distance errors. After careful review of the IWU itinerary and the NCAA mileage tool, it appears that 60-mile detours through Ohio's Amish Country for cheese, pies, and wood stoves aren't accounted for in the official NCAA mileage tool. 

Hum - the mileage I noted above could have come from our fan bus in which case the detours and diversions could apply easily!

[hotdawg]

From the Terms of Service:
3. Posts that simply serve to bash another poster and do not discuss Division III sports will be removed.
I believe this one qualifies. There is no substance here, just ad hominems.

Thats fine remove away! Thanks for policing - I'll surely read the terms and conditions more closely next time. Yep I bashed another poster; which is far worse than repeatedly bashing refs, opposing fans, opposing college athletes and opposing coaches i guess.

Who U Witt

- Although I would have really liked for Witt to have received the advantage of playing at home for the Sectionals. I think playing @ Woo favors Witt at almost at the same level as it favors Wooster. Witt is very familiar with the court and atmosphere Timken brings. Every game they have played there is a huge game, the pressure is comparable and they have quite a bit of experience winning big games @ Woo. This gives both Witt and Woo have a big advantage over the other two teams and I think an elite 8 showdown is coming.

[smedindy]

Also... let's see if football does that next year... that will let us know if was a real change.

Also, with football it is one game per decision... basketball there are more teams involved making the decisions a little more challenging.

500 miles comes into play far more for hosting decisions in basketball... where in football it makes it a bracketing decision. In basketball they can move it to a different team for hosting if it keeps everything inside of 500 miles. Football they have to make those types of decisions before they release the bracket.

My take is that barring a conflict, they shouldn't have to make those decisions. #1 hosts, and if they are eliminated #2 hosts, etc. etc.

[iwumichigander]

From the Terms of Service:
3. Posts that simply serve to bash another poster and do not discuss Division III sports will be removed.
I believe this one qualifies. There is no substance here, just ad hominems.

Thats fine remove away! Thanks for policing - I'll surely read the terms and conditions more closely next time. Yep I bashed another poster; which is far worse than repeatedly bashing refs, opposing fans, opposing college athletes and opposing coaches i guess.

Who U Witt

- Although I would have really liked for Witt to have received the advantage of playing at home for the Sectionals. I think playing @ Woo favors Witt at almost at the same level as it favors Wooster. Witt is very familiar with the court and atmosphere Timken brings. Every game they have played there is a huge game, the pressure is comparable and they have quite a bit of experience winning big games @ Woo. This gives both Witt and Woo have a big advantage over the other two teams and I think an elite 8 showdown is coming.

Setting aside home court for Woo and travel distance advantage for Woo and Witt; what advantages do you think Woo and Witt have over the other two teams?

[Cali-Scot]

As interesting as all the talk about travel, mileage and adventures in Amish country is, how about we start talking about how the 4 teams playing in Wooster this weekend match up?

I'd love to hear what people are thinking each teams strengths and weaknesses are relative to each other.

[hotdawg]

Setting aside home court for Woo and travel distance advantage for Woo and Witt; what advantages do you think Woo and Witt have over the other two teams?
[/quote]

Honestly, I am not familiar enough to speak on behalf of North Central... have not seen them play. I think this is a Wittenberg team that is going to be a very tough out in this tournament. They have size, depth and senior leaders. Not many D3 teams can control a game with 2 quality senior posts as Witt (Brandt and Black are a handful). On the outside the seniors Mckee and Cooper can change games with their athleticism, competitiveness and spurtability from 3.
All four of these seniors and a fifth (Weide) have been getting significant minutes since they were Freshman. They are coming off maybe their best game of the year where they weren't really even challenged (same can be said for Wooster).

North Central looks like they have hit their stride after a shaky start. However after just looking at boxscores it seems they just barely got past Rose Hulman a team that I did see few times this year and did not think they were really a tournament caliber team. That being said its the tourney and they did advance which is always the bottom line. Should be a great weekend of bball... I think Witt and Woo have strong starts (familiar setting will make a difference) and they fight their way to Saturday night.

[iwumichigander]

North Central did get off to a rough start in part due loss through graduation.  Only one senior on this young team.  I had posted pre-season that I thought Todd Raridon would find a way to put this team together but it might take a little time. I never expected, honestly, the Cards exceptional success this season in the CCIW.

Cardinals are anchored by 6' 6" 240 Soph - Landon Gamble who is a post handful;Derek Raridon Jr G/F really good and So CJ Goldthree who has come on strong in 2nd half (and Goldthree might be considered by some as the missing piece of the early season puzzle).

Cardinals are coached by Todd Raridon in his seventh year at North Central entered the season with a 106-75, with a winning percentage of .586. Prior to his arrival at North Central, Raridon spent 15 years as head basketball coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University and never experienced a losing season, despite being the only school not giving athletic scholarships in an NAIA conference. He took Nebraska Wesleyan to the NCAA Division III tournament seven times and won six conference titles. His career mark at Nebraska Wesleyan was 269-125 over 15 years.

Expect a well-prepared, disciplined, tough defensive team that can shoot the ball (.470 FG% / .402 3Pts%).  Weaknesses could be depth and youth. Cards are a really good team.

[bufordscot]

As interesting as all the talk about travel, mileage and adventures in Amish country is, how about we start talking about how the 4 teams playing in Wooster this weekend match up?

I'd love to hear what people are thinking each teams strengths and weaknesses are relative to each other.

How can any legitimate talk about the sites and tourist activities around Wooster not include a mention of Coccia House?