MBB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[Mr. Ypsi]

--Wooster shot 52.5% from the floor and still had to go to overtime to win this game!?  Why?

--Earlham shot nearly as well 51.7% from the floor and the Quakers shot an unbelievable 61% on three point shots (11 of 18 made)

May I suggest that your second statement answers your first statement.

Show more respect for your opponent!

(I have finally learned this after being called out numerous times - I'm a fan of IWU, and have FINALLY caught on that the final result is not JUST a function of how the Titans played.  There IS another team out there that has some say in the final outcome!  Whether Woo played poorly, Earlham played great, Woo is overrated, or Earlham is underrated will become clearer over the next couple of months!))

[wooscotsfan]

Billy and Mr. Ypsi -- Major Props to the Quakers because they obviously played a great game and shot the ball well!

Wooster didn't play their best game but Earlham obviously had a lot to do with that.  I think that Earlham's size advantage and hustle contributed to their rebound advantage over the Scots.  Wooster through 6 games has outrebounded their opponents by an average margin of 7 per game so it is unusual for an opponent to beat the Scots on the boards.

Wooster through its first 5 games, prior to Earlham, had made 53 three point shots so they were averaging over 10 made three pointers per game.  The Quakers obviously defended the three point shot well because Wooster was only 5 of 9 today. (please note credit being given to Earlham  )

Once again, Major Props to the Quakers!!  Now, do us a favor and play the same way when Wittenberg visits Richmond!!  

[earlhamalum]

Well I give my team a lot of credit... now they have to build from this game and take what they did into the rest of the NCAC conference games... otherwise this O.T. lost to Wooster will not mean a whole lot if they lose games they should win. 

Second of all... i was on the phone will BILLY_P during the Timeout after Henry missed the FT, with 6 seconds left... this is how the convo. went

Earlhamalum-  "where do they get the ball at?"
Billy_p-     "Under the basket"
Earlhamalum-   "I can see it now... Kyle W with the game winner and have the wooster fans rub it in my face/ on the board."
Radio guy-   "kyle with the ball. 5, 4,3, going down the sideline the shot is up 2, 1... and it is  GOOD.. WOOSTER WINS"
Earlhamalum- "did what i said really just come true"
Billy_P-    "i'm going to go shot myself now i'll talk to you later"

[imderekpoe]

Billy Pilgrim - I don't know if I'd jump to the conclusion quite yet that the gap has narrowed between Earlham and the top teams in the conference based on this 1 game.  For whatever reason, the Scots always seem to have a tough time in Richmond, and today was no exception.  Granted they've not been pushed to OT - at least not in the past few years - but the games are usually pretty close.

I'm not saying that Earham hasn't (or has for that matter) gotten considerably better.  One game isn't enough to say for sure either way.  But, they played a much better game today than I've seen before.  And Brandon Miller - who's got all the talent in the world - played a more controlled game than he usually does against the Scots.  He may not have shot as well as he'd like, but I think that he made a good contribution toward the team's near-upset by playing within himself, but still making things happen for his teammates.

The big difference for the Scots today was the inability to get off the 3-pointers against Earlham's defense.  In the Scots' other 4 games against traditional-style teams (not including Emory & Henry) they've averaged 31.75 3-point shots per game.  Today they took only 9!  Sure the overall FG% was about their norm, but that percentage usually includes a lot more 3's.  Without going back and checking, I'd bet that their 2-pt percentage was lower today than usual.

I'll echo wooscotsfan's plea:  Just play like that again on Feb 1 and we'll be happy!  

Go Scots!!

[goscots]

I would like to compliment the Earlham players on their classy behavior at the end of the game. Considering the hard fought game had just ended in dramatic fashion, each team showed nothing but respect for each other afterwards, especially Brandon Miller.

[billy_pilgrim]

First and foremost, it's nice to actually have an "instant classic" to rehash on this board rather than just reciting stats of another blowout Wooster win.

I don't know if I'd jump to the conclusion quite yet that the gap has narrowed between Earlham and the top teams in the conference based on this 1 game

Maybe I am a bit ahead of myself, but keep in mind that (sadly) I'm not talking about winning NCAC regular season titles. Rather, I think (and I hope) that Earlham has proven it has moved into the legitimate spoiler role along with Wabash.

I'm sure the idea remains for much of the old guard that Earlham is an Oberlin/Hiram level opponent. They were that when Justus first arrived and after his first few seasons. But, the Quakers have hovered around the 4-6 range the last few seasons. Now, it is my hope (for not only this season, but down the road) that they can solidify themselves as a #3, #4 or #5 in the league with the ability to fight the Big W's tooth and nail in games like today.

One thing about today that encourages me in that manner is the way in which the game played. Wooster played well (the stats I cited earlier prove that), but Earlham did force the Scots to adjust. In the past against Earlham (and others in the league), Wooster could not worry about adjusting and still win by 30+. What I heard today, saw in the 3-point stats today, and have confirmed with others is that Earlham really denied Wooster perimeter opportunities. Fortunately for you guys, Vandervaart had a huge afternoon and it was just enough. Still, I'm encouraged that it took some real work from Coach Moore and a monster game to sneak past Earlham. That is a sign of a good team, which I obviously believe Wooster to be. But again, I reiterate, Wooster may not have played its "best" game or its "normal" game to get the win, but they still played pretty damn well.

I would like to compliment the Earlham players on their classy behavior at the end of the game. Considering the hard fought game had just ended in dramatic fashion, each team showed nothing but respect for each other afterwards, especially Brandon Miller.

Not surprised one bit. Having been around those Earlham players, I know how they feel about Wooster....they have a ton of respect for them. I was in Timken twice last year in the hallways postgame. Both times, the players were joking with each other and acting really cordially to each other. I'm sure earlhamalum seconds these thoughts.

[ScotsFan]

The only real negative about this game was the officiating.  Every year we complain about the quality, and it doesn't seem to have gotten any better.  At least they were pretty much equally incompetent at both ends of the court. 

I was going to say something about this yesterday, but I forgot.  As I was listening to the game yesterday, during the 1st half, it seemed like the 1st foul of the game wasn't called until there was like 5 minutes left in the half and I don't know for sure, but I would guess that neither team made it to the bonus in the 1st half.  Then in the 2nd half, it seemed like the refs couldn't stop blowing their whistles, as if they had to make up for their lack of involvement in the 1st half.  It also sounded as if the refs almost lost control of the game in the 2nd half as emotions started to flare for both teams.  Even the reporter for the Daily Record described the action as reaching, "...WWE Smackdown status."  I'm not saying that the poor officiating was one sided, as I would agree with CMH in that the officiating seemed equally poor for both sides.  Its too bad DIII can't bring in more quality officiating, but I suppose this will just continue to be one of the very few detractors to the otherwise great sport that is Division III basketball.

[bishopsfan]

In the past I have been one of the first to bash the Earlham Quakers but this afternoon I would like to praise them.  From the looks of it they game a very good Wooster team a run for their money.  Earlham is an experienced team that in my opinion will be contend with the big boys of the conference.  They have showed that they can play with wooster.  I also feel that they may give Witt a good game because of their athleticism and experience at guard.  It would be really nice if some other team would would knock off Wooster or Wittenberg this year.  I think that both Earlham and OWU have a real shot at that this year.  Big week this week for the NCAC. Go Bishops!!

[David Collinge]

I go camping for a couple of days, lose contact with the cyber-world, and look what happens! 

I'm reluctant to say "congratulations" to Earlham since, after all, they did not win.  I've never liked to be congratulated for coming close to my goal but not achieving it.  So I'll say "well done" or "keep up the good work" or some other platitude.  I hope this is a harbinger of a more competitive conference, top to bottom, and a stronger Earlham, which (as I told Billy last year) I secretly root for in most games.

I'm curious; will D3 (and/or NCAC) scouting rules permit Earlham to distribute a tape of this game to a conference rival?  Suppose Bill Brown wanted to see how Earlham was able to limit Wooster's three-point shooting and force them inside.  Could he call up Jeff Justus and have a copy of the game tape sent?

[billy_pilgrim]

Coaches definitely share tapes, so finding out how Earlham stopped the 3-pointer won't be hard for Bill Brown or anyone else to see.

But, it's also pretty easy to figure out just by reading this morning's edition of the Richmond Palladium-Item.

"We wanted to take away their three,'' Justus said (the Scots made 5 of 9 from long range, the Quakers 11 of 18).

"I kept hearing people from the stands yelling to take away their penetration but they don't understand that Wooster is the best three-point shooting team in the country.''

Attribute those two quotes to Jan Clark's Sunday morning story...I'm trying to avoid copyright laws. But, if I run into trouble, the Pal-Item still owes me money from services rendered, so we can just call it even.

I would hope Earlham will continue this strategy of denying the 3-point shot, as the Quakers have had trouble finding shooters (especially in transition) early this season as well as last year.

[billy_pilgrim]

As for other news, still no word if LeBron James will be in attendance at the Denison/Akron game. I'm pretty sure "King" James will have just arrived back from a west coast swing, so he might rest up instead of heading to see his old high school teammate (Romeo Travis) play.

However, should he be in attendance, maybe the Big Red should try to get him to suit up. Nah, nevermind, only Oberlin would use an ineligible player. 

Sorry, I've been thinking about that one for days.

[smedindy]

I wish there were more Lord posters on this board.  I'm curious as to why Matt Formato, Kenyon's leading scorer in each of the past two seasons, was limited to just 12 minutes and no points. 

Arlen Galloway has been reduced to a spot player as well. It looks like Kenyon may be going another direction in their game. Formato may have been sick or not playing any defense.

I have said the Lords would lose by fitty to Wright State. They may make it a 40-point game after all...

[WoosterFAN]

Fellow Wooster and NCAC Fans - I am afraid that we are going to have to get used to games like this from Wooster.  Without the Wooster Trademark, big guy in the middle (my days go back to when Mike Trimmer and Stan Aukamp were on campus) you will see the Scots get outrebounded and high FG%.  High percentage shots are around the basket and while Darth Vandervaart is excellent defender and shot blocker, he is not exactly what you would call a "space eater" or intimidator.  So that bottom line: more teams will play close when the long range shooting is not there or the game is shortened with long possessions.

Meanwhile, I love the energy that seems to come thru the radio.  Did they change the location of the announcers becuase this year I seem to hear Coach Moore more than ever?  And I know he can yell but I hear him in TN. 

I am willing to admit that I am looking past Yoeman and looking forward to SAT night.  GO SCOTS!!

[ScotsFan]

Fellow Wooster and NCAC Fans - I am afraid that we are going to have to get used to games like this from Wooster. Without the Wooster Trademark, big guy in the middle (my days go back to when Mike Trimmer and Stan Aukamp were on campus) you will see the Scots get outrebounded and high FG%. High percentage shots are around the basket and while Darth Vandervaart is excellent defender and shot blocker, he is not exactly what you would call a "space eater" or intimidator. So that bottom line: more teams will play close when the long range shooting is not there or the game is shortened with long possessions.

WoosterFAN,

Earlham didn't stay close to Wooster on Saturday because of their play inside.  It was their outside shooting that kept them in the game.  Earlham shot a scorching 61% from 3-point range against the Scots.  If you look at the box score of the EC game, Earlham's top 2 scorers were a combined 8-10 from 3-point range.  Henry was 7-16 shooting overall, but 4-6 on 3 pt. fg's.  From inside the arc, he was only 3-10.  Jewett was 4-4 on 3-pt attempts, but only 3-8 from the inside.  And Miller, who was 3rd in scoring on the day didn't hit a 3 ball, but was only 5-16 for his 15 points.  So, my point is, EC's play inside is not what kept this game close.  It was their hot shooting (and that might be and understatement) from 3-pt range and their defense which gave them a chance at the upstet.

This brings me to my next point, which is, one of Wooster's weaknesses.  To me, defending on the perimeter could be one of the Scot's major weaknesses.  Three times this season, they have allowed an oppenent to shoot over 45% from beyond the arc.  Kzoo hit 45%, UW Stout hit 57% and Earlham hit 61%.  In their other 3 games they have held their opponents to under 30%.  I think if you look at the EC and Stout games, they both had a big inside presense which makes me believe that Wooster was packing it in down low to take away the inside and giving them the outside shots.  Stout and Earlham were just knocking them down.  This could be a huge key in the game this Sat. vs. Witt as well.  As good as Witt is on the inside, they are leading the league in 3 pt fg%.  They are not shooting  alot of treys (comparably to how many Wooster is shooting), but they are obviously getting quality shots when they are taking them.  I'm sure Wooster's priority defensively will be to stop Borchers and Russ inside, and making Witt beat them from the outside, as well as dictating the up-tempo style the Scots like to run.  If Witt's shooters are hitting like Stout's and Earlham's shooters did, as much as I had to admit, it could make for another long night against Witt at Timken.

[pennstghs]

speaking of saturday-i will not be able to be in attendance-i know you all havent heard from me in a while on here but no fear im back. We will not be able to look ahead to saturday cuz witt has a tough road game tonight at cedarville-yes they are a naia school but possess great talent. they have a post player that's been getting calls from the cavs? mugabe thomas is his name but everytime i hear about him i think about the wide open dunk he clanged at our place last year that led to a 10-0 run by us and putaway of the game.

thoughts anyone? i'll try to keep this board up on witt stuff since we have a wooster bias on here. 2 and 3 in the country-NCAC represent