MBB: Coast 2 Coast Athletic Conference

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

I don't see how an 8-4 YCP team that has shown early season struggles and lost to Hood is an early favorite for the CAC. The simple fact they lost to Hood gives the defending regular season champions the early edge. I know the records for the two teams are the same, but until York can prove they can solve the duo problem of Gutekunst and Junghans, I still think Hood takes the CAC.

However, we can't forget about UMW. They seem to be in the same boat as YCP and Hood. They have lost games, like to Christopher Newport, that are unexplainable. Of course, they have lost to YCP as well... which - with my logic - makes it Hood, YCP, UMW at this point in the season.

My question is, what is up with Hood? They are not playing nearly as well as last year nor as well as I had hoped/expected. I know they had to find a new point-guard, but that alone shouldn't have derailed this team.

[kitchenrat]

It looks like the nucleus of York's roster is really starting to gel. When they played Hood here in York it was just the second game that McGowan and Winters played together, and Pat Kelly was only able to play a very limited role. As the Spartans get to full strength (assuming Kelly is able to get back on the court) I think they will be more than a handful for any team they face.

As for who are the favorites, I'd say Hood until they are beaten consistently by Mary Wash or York. But the regular season isn't the concern, that CAC tourney is!

[bbald eagle]

The University of Mary Washington will be dedicating both the men's and women's basketball games on January 19th vs. Wesley College to Erin Peterson, who was one of 32 Virginia Tech students killed in April, 2007. All donations raised during that game will go to the Erin Peterson Fund.

More info at

http://www.umw.edu/athletics/sports/basketballmen/default.php?a=738

[CACsportsnut]

Could not agree more with:

1.) Hood
2.) York
3.) UMW

I was only asking a question to get some opinions and some chatter going, which I seemed to accomplish. Now my opinion:

Hood is very good, but seem to be hitting a little valley as of now, which happens to all teams, a season is hills and valleys, and how good you are will show with the way you get over those low points. Hood hit York when they were in there valley, and Hood was at its peak. So I do think the game would be different now. Im not saying it would be a blow out any way or the other, but I would put my money on the Spartans. Now all the talk is fine, but it has to be done. McGowan seems to be back to his old ways (21.3 ppg), the Winters boy is a 6'5 athletic ball handling guard who plays like a forward and has found his niche (13.5 ppg), Brady seems to be settling in and begins to hit his groove after a good freshman year (9 ppg) and also in the past few games seems to be looked upon for defensive intensity and has been guarding the opposing teams primary scorers, Lankford is the steady consistent one, and seems to do everything (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) and also is a defensive force. Jeremy Keefer, a sophomore last year, seems to have passed Kelley, and had 16 points and 12 rebounds against Elizabethtown. He seems to be finding his way as well. Also, Matty Foley and Chris Folland provide some good bench minutes, while Foley can score, Folland provides physicality, rebounding and defensive presence.

Now can York stop Gutekunst and Junghans? Well, they have killed them in the past, so its unfair to think any different, however only time will tell. 3rd scorer to look for is Anthony Bennett for Hood, he can be a difference maker.

Let the games begin

[ycp]

Interesting article in the Frederick News Post on Tuesday.....

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=69726

[bbald eagle]

I hope Gutekunst isn't lost to them for the season.

[ycp]

It certainly would change the dynamic of the CAC men's title chase if he was lost for the year. You hate to see a good team suffer a loss but academics is the name of the game in Division III (as it should in DI and DII as well but we all know that truth of that).

[ycp]

With four minutes left, YCP 69-SMC 66

[ycp]

With 1:15 left in SMC, YCP 75-SMC 70. Sounds like it has been a good game.

[ycp]

From SMC with 22.3 seconds left, YCP 80-SMC 77. York has missed their last three free throws, opening the door for the Seahawks.

Timeout SMC. York had a 7 point lead with 1:06 remaining.

[ycp]

Tyson Lesesne cans a three with seven seconds left to tie the game at 80.

York's game winner falls short and we are heading to Overtime. St. Mary's outscores York 10-1 over the final minute.

[ycp]

With 2:20 left in OT, SMC 82-York 81

York is killing themselves from the free throw line

[ycp]

from SMC, SMC 84-York 83 with 1:23 left in 1st ot

[ycp]

SMC up one with 12 seconds left, York has the ball and a timeout

[ycp]

Nick Brady goes to the line for two with 3.1 seconds left, York down 1