MBB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[smedindy]

Yes, there are similar policies at other schools. At Wabash, they didn't want to compete against the private gyms in town, so they restricted access to the community, but I think (and it's been a while) that alumni are allowed to use it. However, it didn't seem that they abused the privilege.

[sigma one]

Alumni and their families have unlimited use of the Wabash facility.  Smedindy is correct in remembering that the facility is closed to those from outside the Wabash community, has been since the beginning, for the reason he states--competition with the local gyms, spas, etc.  There are, however, guest passes for student relatives, girlfriends, and others.  And Wabash does host indoor high school basketball shootouts, track meets, and other events.  Blood drives, cancer walks, and other special occasions--a location to gather gifts at Christmas for those in need--are several of many examples.  As a footnote, when the renovation/new construction was completed, quite a discussion about who could use the building took place.  Among considerations other than taking business away from local folks, wear and tear on the facility was an issue, even if there would have been a fee for outside users. Smedindy will recall that there were hard feelings among community people who had previously used the facility, among them quite a few noontime basketball players.

[pennstghs]

Any Wabash fans making the drive Wednesday to Springfield for the huge showdown? In terms of who needs this game more, Wabash definitely does as a Wittenberg win would mean Witt would have a two game lead in conference play and as Coach Brown alluded to Saturday on the pregame show, a majority of the conference games have been on the road so far.

I'm interested to see what Wabash tries to do to neutralize Wittenberg on the glass. As results have shown, when Witt is dominant its cause they are getting on the offensive glass.

[ScotsFan]

Alumni and their families have unlimited use of the Wabash facility.  Smedindy is correct in remembering that the facility is closed to those from outside the Wabash community, has been since the beginning, for the reason he states--competition with the local gyms, spas, etc.  There are, however, guest passes for student relatives, girlfriends, and others.  And Wabash does host indoor high school basketball shootouts, track meets, and other events.  Blood drives, cancer walks, and other special occasions--a location to gather gifts at Christmas for those in need--are several of many examples. As a footnote, when the renovation/new construction was completed, quite a discussion about who could use the building took place.  Among considerations other than taking business away from local folks, wear and tear on the facility was an issue, even if there would have been a fee for outside users. Smedindy will recall that there were hard feelings among community people who had previously used the facility, among them quite a few noontime basketball players.

Wooster is pretty good about allowing use of Timken for local high school games as well as a holiday tournament hosted at Timken every year.  But, for some reason, Wooster doesn't seem to want to share their newly renovated football facilities for use by local high schools.  They have denied a couple of local high schools to play tournament games there because their fields were too muddy to play games on and Wooster's field turf and lighted field would have been a perfect place to host.  Wooster has even denied local high schools from practicing on their field turf.  Norwayne had to play games on field turf during their state championship run this past season and Wooster wouldn't even allow them to practice at the Papp to get acclimated to playing on field turf.

[hotdawg]

In terms of who needs this game more, Wabash definitely does as a Wittenberg win would mean Witt would have a two game lead in conference play and as Coach Brown alluded to Saturday on the pregame show, a majority of the conference games have been on the road so far.

I agree giving Witt 2 game lead in league play would be a huge blow to Wabash. But I would still argue that Witt needs this game more. A couple reasons why:1) Wabash is currently sitting prettier in terms of getting an NCAA at-large bid than Witt. 2) Witt has had a lot of trouble playing well @ Wabash (don't think they have won there since 07-08), therefore you got to believe they need to take care of business at home... to avoid getting swept in season series. (at least we have the LGS number in recent tourney games). I will predict a 6-8 point Witt victory behind my POY pick Clayton Black - he is an absolute force and is playing the best ball of his career -IMO  hes the best Tiger player since Dan Russ. (slightly edging out Dane Borchers).

[smedindy]

You could say Wabash needs this more, since they didn't hold home court against DPU and a road win against Witt would be crucial.

It's never wise to put your fate into the hands of the Pool "C" committee. Of course, the NCAC tourney will decide who passes through without having to wait on pins and needles.

[David Collinge]

2) Witt has had a lot of trouble playing well @ Wabash (don't think they have won there since 07-08), [...]

Witt last won at Wabash on Jan. 30 2008, 54-52. The Tigers swept the season series that year. Wabash swept the regular season series in 2009-10, with the teams splitting home-and-home in '08-'09 and last season. Wittenberg has beaten their Indiana rivals each of the last two seasons in the NCAC semifinals on Wooster's court.

[smedindy]

http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/men/2011-12/week7

Three NCAC teams in the Top 25, with OWU still ORV. Record performance for the NCAC?

[David Collinge]

http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/men/2011-12/week7

Three NCAC teams in the Top 25, with OWU still ORV. Record performance for the NCAC?

DePauw also received one vote for #25 on someone's ballot. That's one-half the conference appearing on at least one ballot. Without bothering to look it up, I can say without fear of correction that this is a high-water mark for the NCAC in the D3hoops.com Top 25.

[woosterbooster]

Wooster is pretty good about allowing use of Timken for local high school games as well as a holiday tournament hosted at Timken every year.  But, for some reason, Wooster doesn't seem to want to share their newly renovated football facilities for use by local high schools.  They have denied a couple of local high schools to play tournament games there because their fields were too muddy to play games on and Wooster's field turf and lighted field would have been a perfect place to host.  Wooster has even denied local high schools from practicing on their field turf.  Norwayne had to play games on field turf during their state championship run this past season and Wooster wouldn't even allow them to practice at the Papp to get acclimated to playing on field turf.

While I think it would have been nice of the college to allow Norwayne to use Papp Stadium for practices during their playoff run, I can understand their reluctance to host actual games.  All of their stands are on the same side.  That might not a good situation make during intense playoff football competition.

As far as the Scot Center, it seems like a lot of venue for 1,800 some-odd students and staff.  Open it up to alumni, but not the public.  I, though, as a member of the latter, would certainly love to take a one-time tour of the place.  Do they sell sushi?

[smedindy]

http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/men/2011-12/week7

Three NCAC teams in the Top 25, with OWU still ORV. Record performance for the NCAC?

DePauw also received one vote for #25 on someone's ballot. That's one-half the conference appearing on at least one ballot. Without bothering to look it up, I can say without fear of correction that this is a high-water mark for the NCAC in the D3hoops.com Top 25.

Missed DPU, and I can say it was an intentional snub but I need to own up to my fecklessness.

[Wabash2011]

In terms of who needs this game more, Wabash definitely does as a Wittenberg win would mean Witt would have a two game lead in conference play and as Coach Brown alluded to Saturday on the pregame show, a majority of the conference games have been on the road so far.

I agree giving Witt 2 game lead in league play would be a huge blow to Wabash. But I would still argue that Witt needs this game more. A couple reasons why:1) Wabash is currently sitting prettier in terms of getting an NCAA at-large bid than Witt. 2) Witt has had a lot of trouble playing well @ Wabash (don't think they have won there since 07-08), therefore you got to believe they need to take care of business at home... to avoid getting swept in season series. (at least we have the LGS number in recent tourney games). I will predict a 6-8 point Witt victory behind my POY pick Clayton Black - he is an absolute force and is playing the best ball of his career -IMO  hes the best Tiger player since Dan Russ. (slightly edging out Dane Borchers).

Big match-up between Black and Curosh, if they let them play, advantage Curosh.  By the way,  Sullivan is who killed Wabash last year...twice, not Black.   It will be interesting and is a bigger game for Wabash, definitely in hopes of hosting the tourney.   Wabash seniors have not forgotten the tourney game last year......the no call on the rebound putback attempt by Curosh lead to the final basket.  This is certainly the game of the year so far.

Also, no excuses to the DePauw game, Depauw played very well....Wabash seniors in 3 intense days of comprehensive exams .  Wabash may want to look at the schedule related to playing that Wednesday.  These guys are students in D3, and those exams decide if you graduate.  I thought all the seniors showed the effects of exams and looked a little sluggish and also they did not practice one of those days as well.  Again props to DePauw for playing well.

[smedindy]

It's an NCAC schedule. Part of being in a league is that you have to accommodate all 10 teams. If I recall, there was always a game during that week anyway. It's tough, but being a student / athlete is tough.

[hotdawg]

Big match-up between Black and Curosh, if they let them play, advantage Curosh. 

Not saying Curosh isn't capable of competing but I'll take Black everytime in this matchup no matter how the game is called.

[smedindy]

Some interesting games on tap tomorrow:

DePauw (4-2, 10-5) @ Denison (3-3, 6-9) - The suddenly energized New Tigers take a road trip to scenic Granville, Ohio to face a maddening Big Red squad. Denison is quite capable beating the Tigers and has shown they can play a full 40-minute game of late. DPU may look past the Big Red after two huge wins last week. I wouldn't be surprised about any result here.

Kenyon (1-5, 7-8) @ Oberlin (1-5, 6-9) - The Lords definitely look like the sixth-best team in the NCAC despite their 1-5 record. But looks are one thing, and the improved Yeomen will try to deal their first 'unexpected' loss of the conference season. Wabash handled Oberlin quite handily Saturday and that may mean either an inspired squad or one that's beaten down a bit. Again, I wouldn't be surprised about any result here, but I think the Lords will prevail.

Wooster (3-3, 12-3) @ Allegheny (0-6, 2-13) - The Gators are just the tonic to help the Scots recover from their loss at DPU. Wooster shouldn't have any problem with the struggling Allegheny squad. However, games are played on the court, and knowing Coach Moore, the Scots won't take Allegheny for granted.

Hiram (3-3, 10-5) @ Ohio Wesleyan (4-2, 12-3) - Huge game for both teams. With a win, Hiram plays itself back into a mix for hosting an NCAC tournament game. With a win, the Bishops position themselves to be back in the mix for the NCAC title if other teams falter. Like any game for the Terriers, it comes down to controlling the pace and tempo, but this one comes with a side order of controlling Tim Brady.

Wabash (5-1, 13-2) @ Wittenberg (6-0, 12-3) - You couldn't ask for a bigger January game. (OK, it'd be bigger if Wabash hadn't dropped a game, but still...). A Wabash win puts the two-loss teams back into serious play for the NCAC title, while a Old Tigers win gives them a two-game edge. Sure, there are a lot of games left, but a two-game bulge at any stage of the season is a big advantage. Wittenberg will want to make Wabash try and beat them from the outside, while hopefully maintaining some offensive consistency. This will be a grinder of a game, probably one that resembles an Illinois / Wisconsin Big 10 matchup. Not beautiful, but compelling in its own way...