MBB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[WooHoopsntrack01]

First of all, I agree with you that it would be nice to see Hallowell score more.  But, I think part of his problem is he relies on his outside shot too much in terms of scoring.  I was under the impression that he had worked more on his inside game during the offseason and I haven't seen very much evidence of that so far.  He could very much use his outside shot to set up defenders faking them with the shot and beating them with the dribble to get inside but I haven't seen much of that.  He could really keep defenders off balance if he could develop any sort of dribble penetration.

As far as lacking an inside presence, I'm not sold on that being the problem of this team to answer your question.  Wickliffe has proven he can dominate on the inside when the emphasis is there to get him the ball and when he can stay out of foul trouble.  What bugs me about Wick is that he never seems to build off of solid performances.  Like when he dropped 22 on JCU in a losing effort, he followed that up with a 4 point effort vs. Kenyon.  And like last night, he scored just 2 points in the 1st half and scored 8 fairly easily in the 2nd half.  Part of that problem is, as I said, Wooster's effort or emphasis to get him involved or lackthereof.

I also think the potential is there for our 2 young freshmen bigs to develop into a nice inside presence, but the experience just isn't all there yet.  They show flashes, but not consistency.

And as far as where I see this team truly lacking, as I've touched on many many many times as have David and wsf and others, it's taking care of the basketball!  Wooster is just turning the ball over  far too often, whether it be from sloppy ball handling to lazy passes to reckless drives into the lane.  I'm sure that the defenses of some of these teams Wooster has been playing could be attributed to some of the turnovers, but from listening to the game last night as well as others where the Scots have had a high number of turnovers, it seemed that a high percentage of Wooster's turnovers were of the unforced variety.  And until they shore up those unforced turnovers, this team will continue to struggle I'm afraid...

I agree with you on the lack of emphasis as we have seen in the past on the inside play; its uncharacteristic and nervwrecking too when we need easy baskets.  It seems like we really haven't had go to BIG man in a few years.  We've been mostly guard oriented, which has worked in particular in league play.  I also agree JH's game is too focused on shooting outside.  I don't remember him shot faking at all in the Albion game, and not too many times in the other games.  If he would dump it in with some sort of two man game with Wick, then maybe he could cut off or relocate for an easier shot.

TO's have been bad.  It's like for a few minutes some of the guys put on capes and turn into Captain Turnover.  I think what could change that though is an consistent inside presence which i think we both feel is necessary to win the league which is more important than anything.  At this point, if we don't win the NCAC we can forget about the NCAA's.  

Lets Go Scots!!!  We believe!!!

[smedindy]

From what I'm reading (here in MN and out of town) - it's all about the 12 team for a football playoff. Not saying it's right or wrong, but that's what I'm reading.

[ScotsFan]

At this point, if we don't win the NCAC we can forget about the NCAA's. 

This statement got me thinking about Wooster's regional record so far and when I went to look up their schedule here on D3hoops, I came across a question and I was wondering if someone knew the answer.

On Woo's schedule, they have R-MC as a regional opponent.  I get this because Ohio and Virginia are in the same 'administrative region'.  But, NC Wesleyan is not noted as a regional opponent for the Scots despite  North Carolina being in that same 'administrative region' as Ohio and Virginia.  Is this just an oversight or is there a reason why NCW doesn't count as an in-region win for Wooster?

As for the comment above by WooHoops, it's starting to look like that could be the case.  Wooster already has 3 in-region losses and any conferences losses from here on out would count against Wooster as even more in-region losses.  At least if Wooster has to meet up with WashU in the Mose Hole and lose to the Bears, that would not count against them as a regional loss.

IMO, Wooster would almost have to run the table at this point in regular season conference play to have any shot at Pool C consideration if they don't happen to take home the automatic by winning the conference tournament...

[ScotsFan]

Ok, big game on Sunday.  I don't know exactly what matchup we'll get...who wants to break down the potential matchups:
Good Wabash vs. Good Wooster
Good Wabash vs. Bad Wooster
Bad Wabash vs. Bad Wooster
Bad Wabash vs. Good Wooster

One of these four games will happen on Sunday.  I haven't decided which one yet. 

Well, if we get good vs. good or bad vs. bad, it's anybody's guess as to who will win.  I would think that both of these teams would play each other pretty evenly if they both play at their best and conversly, if they both play at their worst.

As for the other 2 potential matchups, in scenario #2, Wabash wins and in scenario #3 Wooster wins. 

In all seriousness, this is another HUGE game for the Scots and for Wabash, but moreso for Wooster as they have the added pressure of holding serve on their home court.

Looking at Wabash's schedule to date, it looks as if 'bad Wabash' has only really shown up in road games which could bode well for the Scots.  Although, Wabash has also looked pretty darn good in their last 2 games, but both of those were in the friendly confines of Chadwick.  Wooster did win both games vs. Wabash last year in Timken by an average MOV of 16 points.

As for some key matchups of players in the game, I think you have to look to at least slowing down Wes Smith if you're Wooster.  I'm wondering who, between Franks and Johnson, will draw the assingnment of trying to slow him down.   He's averaging over 18 ppg but Wabash also has 3 others averaging in double figures so Smith is far from a one man show.  I know Chase Haltom can shoot from deep and even though he's a streaky shooter he always seems to find his range when he's playing Wooster.  I'm also surprised that Brock is only 2-17 from 3-point range on the season.  I seem to recall he was a pretty decent threat from beyond the arc before his injury.  Although, Wabash as a team isn't shooting particularly well from deep either as they are only 28% on the season.  Of course, they'll probably torch the nets on Saturday... 

Wooster also brings 4 players to the table averaging double figures so they too have some pretty nice balance.  Franks leads the way with over 14 ppg while shooting 50% from the floor and nearly 40% from deep.  Justin Hallowell seems to be warming up a bit as well as his percentage is almost up to 38% from deep.  He was barely at 30% a few games ago!

Once again, as WooHoops and I both have harped on, I think the key will be which team can get it going inside.  I had stated that I thought Wick would be a key in the R-MC game and as it turns out, he was, but it was too late once Wooster started making a concerted effort to get him the ball.  I would like to see Wooster try and get him involved early and often in this game.

And, once again, I think the main key to this game is going to be turnovers.  Both teams are having troubles in this category as Wabash is averaging over 15 tpg and Wooster is over 16 tpg.  Wooster HAS to be less careless with the basketball and find a way to create turnovers instead of committing them!

All in all, it should be a dandy of a game between two teams that don't really care too much for each other.  Can't wait for Sunday!

[KnightSlappy]

At this point, if we don't win the NCAC we can forget about the NCAA's. 

On Woo's schedule, they have R-MC as a regional opponent.  I get this because Ohio and Virginia are in the same 'administrative region'.  But, NC Wesleyan is not noted as a regional opponent for the Scots despite  North Carolina being in that same 'administrative region' as Ohio and Virginia.  Is this just an oversight or is there a reason why NCW doesn't count as an in-region win for Wooster?

It appears as though NC Wesleyan is listed as a regional game. The 'dot' noting the regional contest is located after the @ Randolph-Macon.

[ScotsFan]

It appears as though NC Wesleyan is listed as a regional game. The 'dot' noting the regional contest is located after the @ Randolph-Macon.

Oops!  I misread that on the schedule.    Thanks for pointing that out...

[David Collinge]

Ok, big game on Sunday.  I don't know exactly what matchup we'll get...who wants to break down the potential matchups:
Good Wabash vs. Good Wooster
Good Wabash vs. Bad Wooster
Bad Wabash vs. Bad Wooster
Bad Wabash vs. Good Wooster  

Before we get to the Main Event, we have to work our way through the undercard, which begins tonight (Thursday! THURSDAY! THURSDAY!!!) in Terre Haute:

Earlham at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 7:30pm -- Live Stats and Audio

At stake is the coveted John Mutchner Cup, which has been retained on the western border for the past two seasons.  The EC is 3-5, Rose is 4-6.  I think we can safely dispense with the analysis of three of Wally's scenarios for this one.  However, the Quakers did win at Franklin, a feat that RHIT couldn't...engineer.  Sorry.  

UPDATE:  RHIT 83, EC 66...Despite another fine (26 point) effort from AJ Sutherlin, the Mutchner Cup stays put.

[pennstghs]

Isn't the point about Wooster being careful about these early losses for NCAA play a point I brought up two weeks ago and got chastized for??? Just saying.......

I think the NCAC  will be a one bid league this year, with that one single bid going to the conference tournament champion, which at this point is a crapshoot

[GoRed]

Ok, big game on Sunday.  I don't know exactly what matchup we'll get...who wants to break down the potential matchups:
Good Wabash vs. Good Wooster
Good Wabash vs. Bad Wooster
Bad Wabash vs. Bad Wooster
Bad Wabash vs. Good Wooster

One of these four games will happen on Sunday.  I haven't decided which one yet. 

Well, if we get good vs. good or bad vs. bad, it's anybody's guess as to who will win.  I would think that both of these teams would play each other pretty evenly if they both play at their best and conversly, if they both play at their worst.

As for the other 2 potential matchups, in scenario #2, Wabash wins and in scenario #3 Wooster wins. 

In all seriousness, this is another HUGE game for the Scots and for Wabash, but moreso for Wooster as they have the added pressure of holding serve on their home court.

Looking at Wabash's schedule to date, it looks as if 'bad Wabash' has only really shown up in road games which could bode well for the Scots.  Although, Wabash has also looked pretty darn good in their last 2 games, but both of those were in the friendly confines of Chadwick.  Wooster did win both games vs. Wabash last year in Timken by an average MOV of 16 points.

As for some key matchups of players in the game, I think you have to look to at least slowing down Wes Smith if you're Wooster.  I'm wondering who, between Franks and Johnson, will draw the assingnment of trying to slow him down.   He's averaging over 18 ppg but Wabash also has 3 others averaging in double figures so Smith is far from a one man show.  I know Chase Haltom can shoot from deep and even though he's a streaky shooter he always seems to find his range when he's playing Wooster.  I'm also surprised that Brock is only 2-17 from 3-point range on the season.  I seem to recall he was a pretty decent threat from beyond the arc before his injury.  Although, Wabash as a team isn't shooting particularly well from deep either as they are only 28% on the season.  Of course, they'll probably torch the nets on Saturday... 

Wooster also brings 4 players to the table averaging double figures so they too have some pretty nice balance.  Franks leads the way with over 14 ppg while shooting 50% from the floor and nearly 40% from deep.  Justin Hallowell seems to be warming up a bit as well as his percentage is almost up to 38% from deep.  He was barely at 30% a few games ago!

Once again, as WooHoops and I both have harped on, I think the key will be which team can get it going inside.  I had stated that I thought Wick would be a key in the R-MC game and as it turns out, he was, but it was too late once Wooster started making a concerted effort to get him the ball.  I would like to see Wooster try and get him involved early and often in this game.

And, once again, I think the main key to this game is going to be turnovers.  Both teams are having troubles in this category as Wabash is averaging over 15 tpg and Wooster is over 16 tpg.  Wooster HAS to be less careless with the basketball and find a way to create turnovers instead of committing them!

All in all, it should be a dandy of a game between two teams that don't really care too much for each other.  Can't wait for Sunday!

[GoRed]

OK, I blew the attachment.  Here's my prediction.  Wooster by 15.  You outsize Wabash by a mile and have the shooting, talent and pedigree.   

You Scots fans have to stop worrying so much.  The real Scots will show up.  And lay off JH.  He is only a soph and a very solid player.  He will be there when he needs to be.   

[David Collinge]

Isn't the point about Wooster being careful about these early losses for NCAA play a point I brought up two weeks ago and got chastized for??? Just saying.......

I think the NCAC  will be a one bid league this year, with that one single bid going to the conference tournament champion, which at this point is a crapshoot

I think you're referring to me, right?  Some post I'm too lazy to look up about Wooster's Pool C chances, which I scoffed at?  I'm sorry if you thought that was chastisement; I rarely chastise on a subject that doesn't involve referee-criticism.    Anyway, I agree with your second sentiment, which is what I've thought since the time of that post: Pool C for Wooster or anyone else in the NCAC is a faint hope at best, and no way is Wooster playing well enough to concern themselves with their Pool C chances.  Furthermore, if the Scot players are even thinking about the NCAA tournament in the midst of a 5-4 December, they seriously need to re-focus.  And focus is not usually a problem when Steve Moore is in town.

[ScotsFan]

Isn't the point about Wooster being careful about these early losses for NCAA play a point I brought up two weeks ago and got chastized for??? Just saying.......

I think the NCAC  will be a one bid league this year, with that one single bid going to the conference tournament champion, which at this point is a crapshoot

You called that being chastized???    

Um, OK.  If you say so...  

[ScotsFan]

OK, I blew the attachment.  Here's my prediction.  Wooster by 15.  You outsize Wabash by a mile and have the shooting, talent and pedigree.   

You Scots fans have to stop worrying so much.  The real Scots will show up.  And lay off JH.  He is only a soph and a very solid player.  He will be there when he needs to be.   

I'm sorry I don't have quite the confidence in an easy Wooster victory as you do.  Wooster also outsized Kenyon by a mile, etc, etc, and we all saw how that game turned out.  And I think if Wabash shows up to play, I would consider them to be a bit more talented overall than Kenyon.

[pennstghs]

I know, chastizement makes this board fun. Any thoughts on the Wittenberg/Ohio Northern game tomorrow. Any Scots fans have any assessments of Ohio Northern. From playing the comparison game with scores it appears taht ONU hasn't been blowing out opponents and their narrow victory over Capital, where Wittenberg was far and above better than Capital, makes me wonder. Wittenberg needs a big in-region win!

[sac]

I know, chastizement makes this board fun. Any thoughts on the Wittenberg/Ohio Northern game tomorrow. Any Scots fans have any assessments of Ohio Northern. From playing the comparison game with scores it appears taht ONU hasn't been blowing out opponents and their narrow victory over Capital, where Wittenberg was far and above better than Capital, makes me wonder. Wittenberg needs a big in-region win!

Witt beat Cap by 10 in Capital's 1st game of the year, Witt's 4th

ONU beat Cap by 4........ONU had a 10 point lead with 3 minutes to play.